Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao are both on course to make their returns for the team before the end of the campaign.
Courtois picked up an ACL injury towards the start of August, before Militao suffered the same fate in the club's opening match of the 2023-24 season against Athletic Bilbao.
Initially, it had been thought that both players would miss the entire campaign, but the duo have made strong progress in their recoveries over the last few weeks.
Ancelotti was asked about the fitness of the pair during Friday's press conference to preview the La Liga contest with Las Palmas this weekend.
The Italian said that both players "have the option" to return this season, with Los Blancos set to receive a huge double fitness boost at some stage in the coming months.
© Reuters
"Courtois and Militao both have the option to play this season. The recovery process is going very well, they are training on an individual level," Ancelotti told reporters.
"It is February and these types of injuries last six to eight months, so I think they will recover before the end of the season."
However, David Alaba will not play again this season, with the Austria international also damaging his ACL towards the end of last year.
Real Madrid have no other fitness problems at this stage of the campaign, although their leading goalscorer Jude Bellingham is out of the contest with Las Palmas due to suspension, having picked up a milestone booking in the 3-2 success over Almeria last time out.
© Reuters
"Everyone is available now after the recent period of injuries," the manager confirmed during his press conference, with Lucas Vazquez returning to the bench against Almeria after overcoming a hamstring issue.
"Making up for Bellingham's absence tomorrow? Brahim [Diaz] and Joselu are available options. They were able to show themselves after I relied on them as substitutes."
Ancelotti also confirmed that Andriy Lunin would be between the sticks on Saturday, with the Italian still switching his goalkeepers around.
Courtois's injury led to Kepa Arrizabalaga arriving on loan from Chelsea last summer, and the Spain international has made 18 appearances in all competitions this season, while Lunin has featured 12 times.
A permanent deal for Kepa is thought to be unlikely at this stage, with Courtois set to return to his position as number one once he has fully recovered from the serious injury.
