Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho’s decision to drop Thibaut Courtois is to protect him from Real Madrid’s recent interest, Football Express News understands.
The reigning European champions are currently preparing themselves for the exit of Iker Casillas, who is expected to call time on his lengthy career with the club.
David De Gea of Manchester United has been heavily tipped to move back to the Spanish capital and join Los Blancos but negotiations between him and the English club over a new contract are prolonging such talk with Madrid.
Whilst the former Atletico Madrid stopper continues to be at the top of Carlo Ancelotti’s list of summer recruits; Madrid have made a back-up plan, should they fail to convince the Spanish international.
That back-up plan is Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois, who also featured for cross-city rivals Atletico, but has since returned to Stamford Bridge and is currently helping the Blues maintain their impressive lead at the top of the Premier League table.
And, following that interest, it is now understood that Blues boss Jose Mourinho will protect the Belgian stopper from learning of Madrid’s interest ahead of a title challenge.
Dropped from the starting eleven on Wednesday evening the win over Everton, Courtois is likely to be reinstalled into the Chelsea line up next week, but Mourinho is keen to keep him out of the spotlight so he can remain focused on the job at hand.
Mourinho commented on his decision following the win at Stamford Bridge, saying: “Courtois played consecutive matches, against Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa, games where he needed to be very focused.”