Courtois Edges Closer to Return as Real Madrid Continue Espanyol Preparations

TL;DR

Thibaut Courtois participated in parts of Real Madrid's training as they prepare for their La Liga match against Espanyol. Although he is making progress, he will not play this weekend but aims to return for El Clásico on May 10.

Key points

Thibaut Courtois participated in training sessions.
Real Madrid prepares for La Liga match against Espanyol.
Courtois is targeting a return for El Clásico on May 10.

Mentioned in this story

Thibaut CourtoisKylian MbappéÉder MilitãoArda GülerRodrygoBarcelona

Real MadridEspanyol

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 30: Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid during a training session at Ciudad Real Madrid on April 30, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Maria Jimenez - Real Madrid/Real Madrid via Getty Images) | Real Madrid via Getty Images Real Madrid continued their preparations for this weekend’s La Liga clash against Espanyol with their third training session of the week at Valdebebas. The team will travel to the RCDE Stadium for Sunday night’s match (21:00 CET), and the intensity is gradually ramping up as matchday approaches. The session followed a familiar structure. Players began with warm-up exercises and rondos on the pitch before moving into possession drills that incorporated finishing sequences. Training wrapped up with a small-sided game on a reduced-size field, a staple designed to sharpen decision-making and intensity in tight spaces. The main point of interest was Thibaut Courtois, who took part in portions of the session with the group. His gradual reintegration remains a positive sign as he continues working toward a potential return in time for El Clásico on May 10. That fixture appears to be a clear target for the Belgian goalkeeper. However, Courtois is not expected to be part of the squad for the Espanyol match. The same applies to Kylian Mbappé, who is also aiming to be fit for the Clásico but is not in Álvaro Arbeloa’s plans for this weekend. Mbappé trained individually in the gym, alongside Éder Militão, Arda Güler, and Rodrygo, all of whom remain in recovery. Among that group, Rodrygo’s timeline appears to be the longest. Courtois’ partial return to group work stood out as the only real novelty in an otherwise routine session, with the rest of the squad continuing preparations without major changes. Madrid will return to training on Friday at 11:00 a.m. for what will be their penultimate session before traveling to on Sunday morning ahead of the match against Espanyol.

Q&A

When is Thibaut Courtois expected to return to play for Real Madrid?

Thibaut Courtois is aiming to return for El Clásico on May 10.

What is the schedule for Real Madrid's match against Espanyol?

Real Madrid will face Espanyol on Sunday night at 21:00 CET.

Who else is not expected to play in the match against Espanyol?

Kylian Mbappé, Éder Militão, Arda Güler, and Rodrygo are also not expected to play against Espanyol.