Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has defended countryman and Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku.

The two are close from their time with the Belgian national team, and Courtois is one who understands the pressure of playing for Chelsea.

Lukaku has struggled this season, after signing from Inter Milan in the summer.

Asked about Lukaku during a pre-match press conference ahead of Real's game against Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals, Courtois stated: "Romelu is a really great striker.

"It's a bit strange to see him not play so much lately, but he's a guy with enormous quality. He finds the goal really easily. Obviously there's other great strikers at Chelsea so I understand it's not always easy and if the team keeps winning, the manager keeps playing the same players. But I'm sure he will go through it.

"Sometimes you just need a little adaptation. I had the same in Madrid, the first year wasn't easy. You change tactics, you change team, you change trainers so you need to adapt again to everything and I'm sure he will be good, but I hope it is not tomorrow. He can wait one more week!"