Real Madrid not worried about key player’s potential absence for derby vs Atletico
Real Madrid not worried about key player’s potential absence for derby vs Atletico Real Madrid beat Manchester City 2-1 (5-1 on aggregate) on Tuesday to book their place in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. The victory at the Etihad Stadium came at a cost, though, as Real Madrid lost veteran superstar Thibaut Courtois to an injury. The Belgian shot-stopper had to come off at half-time due to muscle discomfort and is now understood to be a major doubt for the weekend’s La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid .
If he is not cleared, Courtois will be replaced by Andriy Lunin in the Los Blancos’ goal. Real Madrid not worried Even though Courtois’ potential absence will be a huge blow, Real Madrid are not overly worried about the situation, according to Mundo Deportivo . After all, Los Merengues fully believe in Lunin and know that they have a backup goalkeeper on whom they can completely rely on during the Belgian superstar’s absence.
Courtois could miss the derby. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) The Ukrainian, who had only played three matches this season (against Olympiacos, Talavera and Albacete), stepped in during the second half against Manchester City at the Etihad and made some important stops. Turning the clock back, during the 2023/24 season, when Real Madrid won their latest UEFA Champions League, it was Lunin who played all the knockout rounds against RB Leipzig, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, and excelled.
Currently in his eighth year at Real Madrid, Lunin, who had loan spells at Leganes, Real Valladolid and Real Oviedo, continues to accept his role behind Courtois rather than becoming a starter at a smaller club. And when called upon, he is more than ready. As such, despite Courtois’ potential absence, there is no major concern within Real Madrid.