The relentless onslaught of injuries has significantly depleted Real Madrid’s squad and forced Carlo Ancelotti to depend on his secondary options.
However, the absence of starters often paves the way for backup players to make a name for themselves and rise to the occasion, presenting themselves as viable successors at a starting position.
After Kepa Arrizabalaga suffered a muscle strain in his right leg in the warm-up for the match against Braga, Andriy Lunin stepped up to keep the Madrid goal.
The Ukrainian has done extremely well since becoming a regular, as he was also able to complete a clean sheet in the most recent clash with Cadiz.
Kepa will not be displaced
Despite Lunin’s string of strong performances, Jose Felix Diaz, via BRANDhas claimed that Carlo Ancelotti appreciates the work that Lunin is doing, but is clear that the main goalkeeper is Kepa, which he confirmed as much in a press conference.
The coach is not willing to mess with the hierarchy he has set up. Kepa, who arrived to replace Courtois as the starting goalkeeper, will continue to be trusted between the sticks, according to the report.
However, Ancelotti did not want to create any resentment or confusion down the line, so he held a face-to-face meeting with Lunin, explaining the pecking order and his statements about Kepa’s original position.
Lunin’s future
Lunin’s future at the Bernabeu could be uncertain if an offer comes in that effectively secures his playing time, as Lunin’s contract expires on June 30.
At present, no action has been taken to extend the contract.
Once Thibaut Courtois recovers from his ACL injury, the Belgian is expected to take over as the starting goalkeeper and Lunin will have to consider his future with these factors in mind.
For now, the player proceeds to do the best he can in Kepa’s absence, and he does Meringues proud.