Thibaut Courtois will play against Chelsea, insist Atletico

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois Photo: C Delgado/Wikimedia

Thibaut Courtois will play for Atletico Madrid against Chelsea in this month’s Champions League semi-final, according to Diego Simeone.

The goalkeeper is currently on loan at the La Liga side from the Blues, who had hoped that the 21-year-old would be ineligible for the two-legged clash against his parent club.

I have no doubt that he will play against Chelsea

Diego Simeone

The Premier League club also reportedly attempted to seek a fee from Atletico to allow Courtois to play in the last-four clash – but that was rejected by Uefa.

And Atletico boss Simeone is certain that Courtois will feature in both games, although he conceded that he does not know where the goalkeeper’s future lies beyond the summer.

“I have no doubt that he will play against Chelsea. He has no doubts either,” Simeone told Onda Cero.

“It’s not a concern. He doesn’t know where he’ll play next year.”

Simeone also admitted that he would not stand in the way of striker Diego Costa should he want to join Chelsea in the summer transfer window.

“His future depends on him and what he feels is best for his future,” he said.

“It’s normal that Chelsea are interested in him. They are an economic power, Samuel Eto’o is getting older and Costa can do his work, but right now he’s ours.”