Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is confident that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will be fit for Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal.<\/p>\n
The Belgium international has battled several injuries this season and was absent for the last two matches, with Andriy Lunin standing in.<\/p>\n
While Real’s LaLiga match against Valencia on Saturday might come too soon for Courtois, Ancelotti believes the keeper will be available for the clash at Arsenal.<\/p>\n
“There\u2019s no concern. Courtois is much better, we believe he can make it to Tuesday,” Ancelotti told reporters on Friday.<\/p>\n
Lunin, however, could be out, with Spanish media reporting that the Ukrainian has sustained a calf muscle tear after the second leg of Spanish Cup semi-final against Real Sociedad on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
“We have a doubt about Lunin, who will be tested today,” the Real manager added.<\/p>\n
With both Courtois and Lunin sidelined, it is likely that 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez will be in goal against Valencia.<\/p>\n
“He’s a great goalkeeper; his only problem is that he’s young. If his time comes tomorrow, we’ll be very happy for him, because we’re all convinced he has a great future. No worries on our part,” Ancelotti said.<\/p>\n
Real are still in contention for a treble, trailing LaLiga leaders Barcelona by three points and set to face them in the Copa del Rey final at the end of the month.<\/p>\n
“We\u2019re doing well. Obviously, with some doubts due to the effort of extra time (against Real Sociedad). But the team is motivated,” Ancelotti said.<\/p>\n
“We have to be optimistic and believe we can do it. We\u2019re very close in every competition, and we\u2019re confident.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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