Will Real Madrid pair Thibaut Courtois & Éder Militão play against Man City?

An insight into the plans of Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti for returning pair Thibaut Courtois and Éder Militão over the coming weeks and months has today been provided.

As much comes fresh off Real’s boss providing all associated with the club with some altogether welcome news regarding the pair on Friday afternoon.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of his side’s trip to Osasuna on Saturday, Ancelotti confirmed that:

“Courtois and Militão have started training with the team. We will use the break to give them rhythm. I think they will be back for Athletic (Club) and the quarter-finals.”

Neither Courtois or Militão have taken to the pitch in a competitive setting since all the way back in August, when the pair both suffered ACL tears within the space of a week.

In turn, it has been widely suggested that, despite Ancelotti’s suggestion that both will be available following the international break, neither are likely to feature in any kind of meaningful capacity for some time yet.

And yet, if the latest word stemming from the media is anything to go by, Real’s headmaster could yet spring a surprise.

As per a report from Marca:

‘Ancelotti’s wish is having both of them for the April 9 match against Manchester City (in the first leg of the Champions League’s quarter-finals).’

Not only that, but it is added:

‘What the Real Madrid coaching staff has no doubt about is that for the tie against Manchester City they will be able to count on the Belgian and the Brazilian.’

It of course remains to be seen whether either Courtois or Militão will be depended upon to start, but one thing is for sure, both can be considered legitimate factors for the crunch tie between two of the very favourites to go all the way in this season’s edition of the Champions League.

Conor Laird | GSFN