The Chelsea FC goalkeeper picked up a serious knee injury in training last month, but is aiming to make a first-team comeback before the start of the new year
To compound Jos Mourinho’s early-season woes, Belgian No 1 Thibaut Courtois picked up a meniscus injury last month, requiring surgery on his right knee and resulting in a long injury lay-off. However, it appears Courtois’ progress has been according to plan, with the shot-stopper revealing that he aims to be back in action in December.
New signing Asmir Begovi has been extremely solid in goal for Chelsea FC in the Belgian’s absence, and the Blues recently signed ex-Milan keeper Marco Amelia to provide cover in case the unthinkable happens and the Bosnian picks up an injury.
Courtois targets December return
The 23-year-old was with the Belgian national team on Tuesday night, celebrating the 3-1 win over Israel and the Red Devils’ ascent to the top of the FIFA World Rankings. Regarding his recovery, he is quoted by Sky Sports as saying:
“In terms of my knee, it is good. I am doing my rehabilitation and it is progressing fine. I will be (now) starting the bulk of the work with my physio to come back as soon as possible.
“Of course I still have to be careful not to go too quickly, but all being well, I should be back in December.”
This is positive news for Chelsea FC fans, considering there were fears the Blues’ No 1 would miss up to six months when news of the injury first surfaced.
Begovi signing a true master-stroke
Although the Blues made some mistakes in the transfer market, the signing of Asmir Begovi from Stoke City with minimal fuss was a master-stroke. Not only has the A?8m shelled out for the Bosnia & Herzegovina international been worth it, but his signing has prevented the Blues from being in an even worse position in the league.
Ever since he made his d but against Swansea City on the opening day of the season following a red card for Courtois, Begovi has been extremely solid in goal, saving the Blues’ blushes time and again — particularly against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
If his performances continue in the same vein, there is no guarantee that Courtois will walk straight back into Mourinho’s starting XI.
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