Courtois fully fit for Real Madrid's Champions League meeting with Arsenal

Thibaut Courtois has declared himself "fully fit" for the first leg of Real Madrid's Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal on Tuesday.

The Belgium international goalkeeper, 32, has missed the past three matches for the Spanish team with an injury.

But speaking Monday, on the eve of his side's match at the Emirates, Courtois said: "I am fully fit and I feel good.

"It was not a big issue so I could train in the gym, and I have been on the pitch for the last day so I feel fine and 100 per cent."

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was forced to play 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez in Real's surprise 2-1 La Liga defeat to Valencia at the weekend after Courtois' deputy, Andriy Lunin, also picked up an injury.

"I have a lot of respect for Arsenal and a lot of friends who support Arsenal," said Courtois, who played for Chelsea before his move to Spain in 2018.

"I know they have been doing great and have been close to winning the Premier League.

"They play well, have a young team and a nice blend of experienced players, too. They defend well, press high, are good at the low block and are quick on the counter and have players who can score easily."