Courtois: Kanizaris’ praise and Courtois’ evolution
Santi Kanizaris, the Spanish former goalkeeper and current sports commentator on Cadena COPE, praised the exceptional performance of Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, insisting that Courtois’s notable development began when he arrived in Spain via Atlético Madrid.
Kanizaris explained that the Belgian keeper was nothing more than a “promising project” when he first came to Spain, but today he regards him as “the best goalkeeper in the world, and the best I’ve ever seen,” noting that this dramatic evolution is tied to Courtois’s distinctive, exceptional professionalism that sets him apart from most shot-stoppers.
Kanizaris’ remarks came minutes after Courtois spoke on Cadena COPE, denying any dressing-room rift with coach Xabi Alonso, and confirming that some minor pains behind his Belgium call-up kept him out, but that he would be available to defend the Royal team’s goal this week.
Courtois Injury
Real Madrid announced Courtois’ injury after the Rayo Vallecano match in La Liga, which ended goalless.
In a formal club statement, Madrid said Courtois sustained an injury to the long adductor muscle of his right leg.
Nevertheless, Courtois traveled to Belgium’s training camp, awaiting a medical assessment from his national team doctors to confirm the latest scans performed by Madrid.
Accordingly, the Belgian FA announced that Courtois would return to Madrid to continue recovery and prepare for the upcoming clash with Elche on Sunday, November 23, in La Liga’s matchday 13.
Duration of absence
AS newspaper indicated initial estimates suggesting a 10–12 day absence.
Despite concerns after the Vallecano game, Madrid received encouraging news about Courtois and Fede Valverde, with both injuries not deemed serious and likely to be available for the Elche match.
The plan is that Elche would mark Madrid’s first appearance after the international break, before heading to Greece to face Olympiakos, then Girona, and finally an away trip to San Mamés to face Athletic Bilbao—note that Bernabéu will also host an NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders.
Valverde Injury
Real Madrid also confirmed Uruguay star Federico Valverde has a strain in the semimembranosus muscle of the right leg.
This will sideline him for around 10 days, posing another challenge for the defending champions.
According to AS, Valverde left the previous Real Madrid match against Rayo Vallecano with muscular issues in the right leg, reporting discomfort in the adductor muscle.
The club said his condition is a mild muscle strain, but subsequent scans revealed a semimembranosus injury, forcing him to miss international duty with Uruguay.
Valverde seems to be fatigued after a busy schedule; the current injury isn’t in the same area as the previous issue cited by Alonso during the press conference.
AS added that Valverde’s body is on edge, having played 15 of 16 matches this season (1261 of 1440 minutes), maintaining the same high intensity in every game. He even featured as a right-back in seven matches (46.7%), increasing his physical load, so staying at Valdebebas during the international break rather than joining Uruguay’s friendlies vs Mexico and the United States was deemed the wiser recovery choice.
Militao Injury
Madrid will miss Militao for at least four matches, all away from the Bernabéu and with rising difficulty: Elche (La Liga), Olympiacos (Champions League), Girona (La Liga), and Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés (La Liga).
The fifth game against Celta Vigo at the Bernabéu could see Militao return for a few minutes if recovery goes well, with the medical team aiming to restore him to full fitness for the decisive clash against Manchester City, as Madrid seeks to overturn the away loss at Anfield and avoid repeating big-match disappointments this season.
AS says Militao’s absence is a major blow technically and psychologically; the Brazilian has become a cornerstone of the Real Madrid defense, and his presence gives teammates added stability in high-press matches.
Punchline 1: If Courtois keeps this form, even the crossbar will start requesting autographs.
Punchline 2: And if injuries pile up, Madrid might sign a goalkeeper to sit on the bench and coach the bench—talk about bench-pressing the competition.
