For Courtois to make his mark on the European stage once again, Real Madrid first have a significant hurdle to clear. Los Blancos must overturn a 2-1 first-leg defeat to Bayern Munich if they are to set up a semi-final tie against either Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool on April 28.
Arbeloa will be forced to rely on his current defensive setup for the immediate future, but the prospect of having one of the world's best shot-stoppers back for the final four would be a game-changer.
Madrid travel to the Allianz Arena for the return leg on Wednesday, while Liverpool play PSG at Anfield on Tuesday, with the European champions leading 2-0 on aggregate.