Thibaut Courtois hails Chelsea's medics after keeper bounced back from basketball-related injury to start FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham

  • Thibaut Courtois returned for Chelsea in their 4-2 win over Tottenham 
  • He feared his season was over when he twisted his ankle playing basketbal
  • Courtois missed only one game, the defeat at Manchester United, due to injury 

Thibaut Courtois feared his season was over when he twisted his ankle playing basketball and has hailed Chelsea's medics for getting him fit for the FA Cup semi-final.

Courtois missed only one game - the defeat at Manchester United - and was back in goal for the 4-2 win against Tottenham at Wembley, on Saturday.


'I got a pass and wanted to jump to catch the ball,' said the Chelsea 'keeper. 'When I came down, I went through my ankle. It was immediately very swollen.

Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois was back in goal for the 4-2 win against Tottenham  

Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois was back in goal for the 4-2 win against Tottenham  

'I was afraid the season was over. Fortunately, it was less bad.

'I have to say thank you to our medical staff to get me fit. I don't think many people with a torn ligament would be ready to play after a week and a half.

'In another team, people suffering the same injury on the same day would still be limping.

Eden Hazard came off the bench to fire Chelsea into the lead at Wembley on Saturday 

Eden Hazard came off the bench to fire Chelsea into the lead at Wembley on Saturday 

'That says something about Chelsea's medical staff. I have to say thank you and maybe buy them a bottle of wine.'

Courtois hurt his ankle during a commercial photo-shoot with the NBA on behalf of the club which also involved Nemanja Matic, Marcos Alonso, Asmir Begovic and Nathan Ake.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte was clearly unimpressed but refused to make his feelings public.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte was clearly unimpressed with the nature of Courtois' injury 

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte was clearly unimpressed with the nature of Courtois' injury 

'The most important thing is that Thibaut recovered from his injury,' said Conte. 

'Then, I speak with my club but when I speak with my club I think it's important to keep our conversation secret.

'Commercial work is very important for the club but it's important to find the best solution to improve.'