Thibaut Courtois should certainly defend Madrid’s nets but Romelu Lukaku’s presence on the pitch is more than uncertain. The Belgian striker has been confined to the bench in recent weeks, in favor of Kai Havertz. Courtois has confidence in Romelu Lukaku and in his return to the highest level, even if the goalkeeper would not be against the fact that this poor form lasts for the duration of the double confrontation.
“Romelu Lukaku is a fantastic striker, so it’s a bit weird that he’s been playing so little lately,” Courtois said at a press conference on Tuesday. “He’s a guy who brings quality, he finds the goal very easily. Sometimes you have to make a little adjustment, I’m sure he’ll come back. But I hope not tomorrow! It’s better to wait a little longer week,” he joked. The second leg will take place next Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Eden Hazard, former glory of Chelsea, will not be there on Wednesday evening in London. The Red Devil underwent ankle surgery and is in rehabilitation for several more weeks. It’s another blow in the Devil’s already difficult spell in Madrid, but Courtois still believes in his chances.
“Hazard was unlucky. But now his mind is OK and he feels good,” explained the Belgian goalkeeper. “The most important thing is that he is fully recovered to be able to come back in the right way. He has the qualities and the talent, we cannot forget that.”
