Thibaut Courtois Declared ‘Fit and Ready’ for Real Madrid’s Champions League Clash Against Arsenal

Thibaut Courtois has announced he is “fully fit” ahead of the first leg of Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Belgian goalkeeper had been sidelined for the previous three matches due to an injury.

However, during a press conference on Monday, just a day before the clash at the Emirates, Courtois stated: “I am fully fit and I feel good.”

“It wasn’t a significant issue, so I was able to train in the gym, and I was back on the pitch yesterday. I feel fine and completely ready.”

Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, had to rely on 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez during Real’s unexpected 2-1 defeat to Valencia in La Liga over the weekend, as Courtois’ backup, Andriy Lunin, also suffered an injury.

“I have a great deal of respect for Arsenal and quite a few friends who support them,” said Courtois, who made the switch from Chelsea to Spain in 2018.

“I’m aware they have been performing exceptionally well and are close to clinching the Premier League title.”

“They play some attractive football, have a youthful squad with a good mix of experience, defend strongly, apply high pressure, are effective in a low block, and possess players who can easily score.”

Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, remarked earlier on Monday that facing the 15-time European champions at the Emirates represents the most significant match of his career to date.

Having been with the Gunners for five years, Arteta has transformed the team into serious contenders for the Premier League, but the 2020 FA Cup remains his only major trophy.

In contrast, Ancelotti noted that Arteta has elevated his team to the “top tier of Europe.”

“He has created a well-rounded team,” asserted the Italian. “There are not many teams across Europe that I would classify as complete.”

“Numerous clubs excel in certain areas, but few execute everything as proficiently as Arsenal.”

“He is accomplishing an outstanding job. The team is near the pinnacle of the Premier League and competing in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.”