Sarri refuses to comment on Courtois’ future

Maurizio Sarri declined to comment on the future of Thibaut Courtois following Chelsea’s friendly against Lyon.

Goalkeeper Courtois, who wants to join Real Madrid, was due to report for training at Chelsea on Monday after his summer break but has not returned.

Chelsea are in talks with Athletic Bilbao about a possible deal to sign keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from the Spanish club.

“I don’t know in this moment,” Blues boss Sarri told a press conference when asked about Courtois after Chelsea beat Lyon on penalties at Stamford Bridge.

“I want to speak with my club and then we will decide about it. I am here to talk about this match.”

Asked about Chelsea’s attempt to sign another keeper, Sarri replied: “If I don’t know anything about Courtois, I don’t know anything about Kepa, of course!”

But Sarri did give a seemingly positive update on the future of Eden Hazard, who has also been linked with Real and had indicated that he would like to make the move.

Unlike his international team-mate Courtois, Belgian Hazard has returned after his post-World Cup break.

Hazard, who was given a hero’s reception when brought on as a second-half substitute, scored the winning penalty in the shootout.

Sarri said; “We have spoken two or three times in the last two days. Hazard’s problem is not present now.”