Despite the horrific injury sustained by Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed that he will not be signing a goalkeeper to deputize in the Belgian’s stead.
Courtois sustained a season-ending injury on Thursday, July 12, 2023, and he will most likely be unavailable for most parts of the 2023/24 season.
What injury did Thibaut Courtois sustain?
The Belgian is nursing an anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and he was reported to have left Los Blancos training in tears.
However, Carlo Ancelotti has expressed that second choice shot-stopper Andriy Lunin, who is the only available senior goalkeeper, is ready to fill the big shoes of Thibaut Courtois.
Is Carlo Ancelotti confident in Andriy Lunin after Thibaut Courtois’ injury?
Ancelotti spoke about his confidence in Lunin and he revealed that the Ukrainian can step up to the plate.
“We have total confidence in Lunin, who is a great goalkeeper”, he 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.”
Andriy Lunin joined Real Madrid from Zorya Lugansk in July 2018 for a transfer fee of €8.50 million.
Lunin has made 17 appearances for Real Madrid in total and he has been impressive in goal when called upon.
The 24-year-old made 7 Spanish La Liga appearances last season, keeping 3 clean sheets in total and amassing 12 saves.
The injury of Courtois will come as a massive blow to the 14-time UEFA Champions League winners, given his immense contributions in goal.
Thibaut Courtois has made 230 appearances for Real Madrid, and he was named the best goalkeeper in the world at the 2022 Ballon d’Or awards.
Courtois made 31 appearances for Los Merengues last season, and he kept an impressive 11 cleansheets in total.
In the 2021/22 season, the former Chelsea and Athletico Madrid goalkeeper made 36 league appearances, and he ammased a remarkable 16 clean sheets in total.
Carlo Ancelotti says Real Madrid might still sign a goalkeeper to complement Lunin
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti noted that he might still make signings to his goalkeeping department, but those additions are only to support Andriy Lunin.
The Copa Del Rey champions are reportedly interested in signing David De Gea on a free transfer and have made contacts with the Spaniard’s representative.
Los Blancos are also eyeing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arizzabalaga and they are watching his situation keenly at Chelsea
Real Madrid commence the 2023/24 season with an away game against Athletic Bibao on Saturday, August 12, 2023.
Los Blancos finished 2nd in the Spanish La Liga last season and they will be aiming to wrestle the title off Barcelona.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have made needed reinforcements this summer, with the signing of Arda Güler, Joselu, Francisco Garcia and Jude Bellingham.
Real Madrid have already experienced the departure of Karim Benzema this summer, and they will be needing significant experience to carry on through the 2023/24 season.
