Thibaut Courtois (Picture: Getty Images)

The indications are that Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois – on loan at Atletico Madrid – will be able to play against his parent club if the teams are drawn together in tomorrow’s Champions League draw.

The Belgium shot-stopper has been on loan in Spain for three seasons but has expressed a desire to head back to Stamford Bridge permanently – if he can become their new No.1 ahead of long-serving Petr Cech.

His form in La Liga, helping Atletico go from also-rans to among Europe’s top eight clubs this term, has not gone unnoticed in west London, although Blues boss Jose Mourinho has stopped short of offering Courtois assurances he will be his top keeper next season.



The clubs could be drawn together in tomorrow morning’s pick for the last eight and it is understood no agreement is in place to prevent the custodian from facing Chelsea.


Current Blues No.1 Petr Cech (Picture: AP)

Such a tie would hand Courtois a fantastic chance to impress his employers at the Bridge and stake a claim for the No.1 jersey next term.

Aged 21, he signed for the Blues but was immediately sent out on loan to Atletico, where he has remained ever since.