Star Goalkeeper from Real Madrid Absent from Training Ahead of Crucial Champions League Final

Manmohan KejeriwalPublished: 29 May 2024 06:59 AM

Andriy Lunin wasn’t spotted in Real Madrid training for the UCL final

One of the star goalkeepers from Real Madrid Andriy Lunin missed their crucial training ahead of the UEFA Champions League final against the German club Borussia Dortmund. As per the reports this has been the second consecutive day that Lunin hasn’t been able to participate in the club’s training procedures.

Several reports have pointed out that Andriy Lunin is not 100 percent and is suffering from fever. His sickness has not improved in the last couple of days. It is quite evident that Real Madrid doesn’t want to make him train before he fully recovers and gets back to full fitness. The 25-year-old has been an important part of the Los Blancos’ setup in the 2023-2024 season.

In the absence of Thibaut Courtois, Lunin stepped up his game and filled that goalkeeper’s void for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. In the Champions League this campaign, he has played eight matches for Real Madrid this season. Lunin has managed to keep two clean sheets in these outings and also made some important saves for his side.

❌ Andriy Lunin did not train for a second day in a row. He is sick. pic.twitter.com/iBeu9R6bRT
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 28, 2024

In La Liga, the Ukraine-born goalkeeper has made 21 appearances for the Spanish club in this top-flight season. He has registered 10 clean sheets in those matches played in the league. In Real Madrid winning the La Liga title this season, Lunin has lent in a crucial hand. However, if he doesn’t manage to recover from his illness before the UCL final, it might open the doors for a potential comeback for Thibaut Courtois.

Despite the fact that Thibaut hasn’t played much football lately, he’s been tipped as the number-one replacement for Lunin in the final against Dortmund (to be played on June 1, 2024), because of his experience and performances in the past. It also remains evident that he does stand out as the Los Blancos’ first-choice goalkeeper over the years.

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizebalaga was also not present for the club in their latest training session. Reports, sustain that he was on a permitted leave. It remains to be seen how Carlo Ancelotti lines up his troops at Wembley when they turn up to face the Bundesliga side. It can’t be denied that the next few days will be pivotal for the manager and his team. It will bring out a clearer picture as to who might feature in the starting eleven and who could miss out.

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