Real Madrid intend to welcome back Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao before the end of March

Real Madrid have suffered two major blows at the start of the season, with Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao both suffering ACL tears within days of each other. The Belgian goalkeeper suffered the injury during training, while the Brazilian defender did so against Athletic Club in MD1.

Since then, both players have been focused on their recovery. Militao has been slightly ahead in his, although Courtois is not far behind, and has trained with the group on several occasions in recent weeks.

Real Madrid have indicated the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals (opponents TBA) as a possible return date for both players, and MD say that the intention is that Courtois and Militao will return to full training at the end of this month. They could also be available for the League clash with Athletic Club after the international break, although that won't be a risk.

There is no doubt that both players will be missed Real Madrid, Militao in particular. Andriy Lunin has deputized impressively in the absence of Courtois, so there may be more of a run with him, although Carlo Ancelotti may be keen to get Militao back into the side as soon as possible.