Thibaut Courtois will make his long-awaited return to the Real Madrid starting lineup against Cadiz at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Real Madrid will hope to have done enough to win the league title when they welcome Cadiz to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon. And Carlo Ancelotti has greeted positive updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
David Alaba is the only absentee for the home side, with the veteran defender recovering from a long-term knee injury. However, the good news is Thibaut Courtois is back in the matchday squad after recovering from his knee issue.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti spoke about Courtois’s return during his pre-match press conference, expressing his delight. The Italian tactician confirmed that the Belgian international would start against Cadiz, also doing the same for Eder Militao.
The Real Madrid manager said, “Courtois is doing well. He will play tomorrow. After such a long time it’s great news for us that he’s coming back, the same goes for Militão. I think he can contribute what he has contributed. He’s doing very well and he’s looking forward to it. We’re all delighted that he’s coming back.”
Ancelotti also spoke about Jude Bellingham’s recent issues while confirming Arda Guler’s start. He said, “He [Bellingham] had an intestinal virus last Wednesday night that didn’t allow him to recover a week later. He’s doing very well now and will do very well, as he’s always done this season. He’s [Guler] going to start.”
Guler will reprise the no. 10 role, with Ancelotti handing Bellingham some rest ahead of the crucial UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich. Brahim Diaz and Joselu will complete the numbers in the Real Madrid attack.
As for the midfield unit, Dani Ceballos and Luka Modric will get opportunities to make their mark, joining Eduardo Camavinga in the middle of the park. Finally, Militao will accompany Fran Garcia, Nacho, and Dani Carvajal in the backline. Courtois will take his spot between the sticks, with Andriy Lunin dropping to the bench after a long run in the starting lineup.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Fran Garcia; Ceballos, Camavinga, Modric; Guler; Brahim, Joselu
