Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will bench the in-form goalkeeper Andriy Lunin during next week’s league clash against Real Betis despite the Ukrainian being in good form, reported Spanish news outlet Marca on Monday.
Lunin has been Madrid’s backup goalkeeper for more than two years now and the 24-year-old finally got the opportunity to prove his worth when on-loan keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga got injured last month.
Lunin started seven games this season in total and only conceded four goals while proving himself worthy of standing between the posts.
However, despite good performances, he isn’t trusted by Ancelotti as the Italian has made it clear that Kepa will be the first choice once he returns from the injury.
Lunin will, once again, sit on the bench for the upcoming matches and when he could appear next on the field cannot be determined yet.
The 24-year-old’s contract with the Los Blancos ends in 2024 and the club hasn’t made any renewal offer yet as things stand, all things are pointing towards the departure of the talented goalkeeper from the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid desire to sign Kepa permanently and want to make him a backup for Thibaut Courtois when the Belgian returns from the injury as he is liked by the club’s management and is Spanish.
It is worth noting that despite their constant struggles with injuries throughout the season, Ancelotti’s men have managed brilliantly as they are on top of La Liga and also qualified for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) Round of 16 with five successive wins.
Vinicius Junior, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurilien Tchoaumeni, Arda Guler, Courtois, and Eder Militao are the current injured players.
Courtois and Militao tore their Anterior Cruciate Ligaments (ACL) at the start of the season and they are likely to participate in the latter part of the season if they are allowed by the club’s medical staff.
Real Madrid's injury list and their likely return time:
Aurilien Tchouameni (December)
Arda Guler (December)
Eduardo Camanvinga (January)
Vinicius Junior (February)
Thibaut Courtois (April)
Eder Militao (April)