Courtois Returns to Full Training as Real Madrid Begin El Clásico Preparations

TL;DR

Thibaut Courtois has returned to full training with Real Madrid ahead of El Clásico against Barcelona. His recovery from a muscle tear marks a significant boost for the team as they prepare for the crucial match.

Key points

Thibaut Courtois returned to full training with Real Madrid
Courtois was sidelined for six weeks due to a muscle tear
Real Madrid faces Barcelona in El Clásico on Sunday night
Several key players remain unavailable for the match
The match is crucial for the La Liga title race

Mentioned in this story

Thibaut CourtoisÁlvaro ArbeloaDani CarvajalArda GülerKylian MbappéÉder MilitãoFerland MendyRodrygo

Real MadridBarcelonaEspanyolManchester City

MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 04: Thibaut Courtois player of Real Madrid is training at Ciudad Real Madrid on May 04, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images) | Real Madrid via Getty Images Real Madrid kicked off their preparations for El Clásico with their first training session of the week at Valdebebas, blending recovery work with high-intensity drills as attention turns toward Sunday’s decisive showdown with Barcelona. Following the win over Espanyol, the squad was split into two groups. The starters from that match focused on recovery exercises, while the rest of the team began the session in the gym before moving onto the pitch for a more demanding workload. Once outside, the players went through a series of rondos before progressing into finishing drills in reduced spaces. The session concluded with two conditioned matches — one emphasizing immediate pressing after losing possession, and another played in a tight, small-sided format to sharpen intensity and decision-making.

Courtois boost ahead of Clásico

The standout development from the session was Thibaut Courtois’ full participation. The Belgian goalkeeper completed the entire training session with the group, marking a significant step forward in his recovery. Courtois has been sidelined for roughly six weeks after suffering a rectus femoris muscle tear in his right quadriceps during the match against Manchester City on March 17. Since then, has stepped in between the posts, but Courtois’ return to full training now opens the door for a potential comeback in one of the biggest matches of the season. Whether he is immediately reinstated as the starter will ultimately depend on Álvaro Arbeloa’s assessment in the coming days, but the signs are encouraging.

Q&A

What is Thibaut Courtois' injury status ahead of El Clásico?

Thibaut Courtois has returned to full training after recovering from a rectus femoris muscle tear.

Who are the key players unavailable for Real Madrid in the upcoming match?

Dani Carvajal, Arda Güler, Kylian Mbappé, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Rodrygo are currently unavailable for Real Madrid.

When and where is the El Clásico match between Real Madrid and Barcelona?

The El Clásico match will take place on Sunday night at Camp Nou, starting at 9:00 PM local time.

Courtois Returns to Full Training as Real Madrid Begin El Clásico Preparations

TL;DR

Key points

Courtois boost ahead of Clásico

Q&A

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