Courtois feared ankle injury ended season

Thibaut Courtois thought he suffered a season-ending ankle injury during a promotional shoot this month, leading title-chaser Chelsea to prohibit physical activity at commercial functions for the remainder of the campaign.

Courtois missed Chelsea's 2-0 loss to Manchester United after landing awkwardly at an NBA event, but returned to the lineup for the Blues' 4-2 victory over Tottenham in last weekend's FA Cup semi-final.

"I twisted my ankle. It swelled really quickly and I thought my season was over," the Belgian told the Evening Standard's Simon Johnson. "But I have to thank the medical staff from Chelsea for getting me fit so quickly.

"I tore an ankle ligament and I think it's incredible after one-and-a-half weeks to then be able to play."

Although Courtois admitted he battled noticeable pain during the cup encounter at Wembley, he said it was just an unfortunate accident.

"I'm sure there will be more commercial activities, but I don't think there will be anything with a ball now so no one gets injured," the 24-year-old added.

No other goalkeeper in the Premier League has recorded more clean sheets than Courtois' 13, but manager Antonio Conte has done a good job to limit the danger in front of him. Courtois is not even in the top 10 among his Premier League colleagues when it comes to shots on goal.

But he has provided Chelsea with calmness of mind, stretching out to make several clutch saves at various points of the season.

Barring any setbacks, Courtois will protect Chelsea's goal for a 34th time this season when Stamford Bridge plays host to Southampton on Tuesday.