Real Madrid is grappling with significant injury concerns ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal on April 8.
Courtois, Lunin, and Rudiger All Doubts for Arsenal Showdown in Champions League
Both primary goalkeepers, Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin, are facing fitness battles that could impact their availability for the crucial match.
Thibaut Courtois has been sidelined due to a muscle strain sustained during the international break in March. While he has shown positive progress in his recovery, the club is exercising caution given his history of muscular issues.
The plan is for Courtois to rejoin group training imminently, with a decision on his participation against Arsenal to follow.
Meanwhile, Andriy Lunin, who stepped in during Courtois’s absence, suffered a soleus muscle injury during the recent Copa del Rey victory over Real Sociedad. This setback casts doubt on his availability for the upcoming fixtures.
In light of these developments, Carlo Ancelotti may turn to 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez from Real Madrid Castilla.
Standing at 1.99 meters, Gonzalez has been included in the first-team squad 35 times this season but has yet to make his senior debut.
His potential inclusion underscores the club’s confidence in his abilities, though it would be a significant test given the high stakes.
Adding to Real Madrid’s challenges, UEFA is set to announce sanctions against Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Dani Ceballos for their controversial celebrations following the Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.
While fines are anticipated for Mbappe, Vinícius, and Ceballos, Rudiger faces a possible one-match suspension, which would rule him out of the Arsenal clash.
As the match against Arsenal approaches, Real Madrid’s coaching staff is closely monitoring the fitness of their goalkeepers and awaiting UEFA’s disciplinary decisions.
These developments could significantly influence Ancelotti’s lineup and strategy for the pivotal encounter at Emirates Stadium.
