Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has said that he is ready to bank on the club’s backup goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin in the absence of injured Thibaut Courtois.
The veteran Italian tactician stressed that he trusts in the abilities of Andriy Lunin and he is not planning to start hunting for a new replacement for the injured Belgian goalie.
OsunDailyNG has reported that Thibaut Courtois injured his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee which would force the 31-year-old goalie to miss most parts of the 2023-2024 season.
Since he joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2018, Courtois, who was crowned the best goalkeeper in the world at the 2022 Ballon d’Or, has won two Spanish La Liga titles and one UEFA Champions League title for the club. He has played 230 games for Real Madrid so far.
Ahead of Real Madrid’s Spanish La Liga opener against Athletic Club at 20:30 on Saturday, August 12, Ancelotti stressed that Andriy Lunin, a 24-year-old Ukrainian backup goalie, is prepared to replace the Belgian goalkeeper.
“We have total confidence in Lunin who is a great goalkeeper,” Ancelotti said.
“He’s been very good during pre-season. He’s talented and what he lacks is what all young players lack – experience, which he’s going to gain day by day.”
