Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois targeting return from injury for Champions League semi-finals

The Belgian goalkeeper has not played since March 17. Fran Santiago/Getty Images Share full articleReal Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is targeting returning from injury in time for the Champions League semi-finals, should his side overcome a quarter-final first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich. Courtois, 33, has been sidelined since suffering a thigh injury against Manchester City on March 17, which was expected to keep him out for at least six weeks. Sources briefed on the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, indicated the Belgium international is working towards being back in contention to feature in the Champions League semi-finals at the end of April (which are six weeks after Courtois sustained the injury), should Madrid reach that stage of the competition. Madrid must overturn a 2-1 first-leg defeat to Bayern if they are to set up a semi-final tie against either Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool on April 28. Madrid travel to the Allianz Arena for the return leg on Wednesday. Liverpool play PSG at Anfield on Tuesday, with the French champions leading 2-0 on aggregate. Courtois has missed Madrid’s last four matches in all competitions, with Andriy Lunin deputising in his absence. A return in time for the Champions League semi-finals would also mean Courtois would be available for the Clasico against Barcelona at Camp Nou on May 10. Madrid trail Barcelona by seven points in the La Liga title race with eight games remaining. Courtois has made 41 appearances in all competitions this season, keeping 16 clean sheets. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms