Real Madrid will journey to London on Thursday, May 30, 2024, as they gear up for the UEFA Champions League final, but one of the club’s key players, Andriy Lunin, is expected to be absent from the epic clash.
Los Blancos have their sights fixed on getting the Champions League crown for the 15th time in history, and they will face German side Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
Andriy Lunin Will Not Travel Alongside Real Madrid Players For The UEFA Champions League Final
Reports indicate that the inspirational goalkeeper this campaign, Andriy Lunin, will not be traveling alongside his teammates, but he will make the trip to London alone.
This is due to the Ukrainian suffering from flu ahead of the final – a truly odd time to get ill, given that he was initially set to man the post for the Spanish side.
Lunin was sublime in the absence of Thibaut Courtois for the majority of the season, and his magical saves during normal time and the penalty shootout helped Real Madrid defeat Manchester City to book their place in the semi-finals.
Real Madrid will arrive in the English capital on Thursday, May 30, 2024, but Andriy Lunin will be in London on Friday, May 31, 2024, or Saturday, June 1, 2024.
Los Blancos have reportedly made this move to reduce the chances of the goalkeeper transmitting his illness to other Real Madrid players.
Anastasiia Tomazova, the wife of Lunin, has posted pictures of the 25-year-old training at home this week and Carlo Ancelotti has been left with the headache of deciding whether to include him in the squad for the final or not.
Andriy Lunin will have to battle with Thibaut Courtois for a starting shirt even if he is in good shape to play the final.
Lunin is Real Madrid’s go-to option between the sticks in cup competitions, but Courtois returned to action earlier in May 2024.
His first game after returning from injury came against Granada on May 11, 2024, and he put a marvelous shift in the encounter.
Andriy Lunin Or Thibaut Courtois – Carlo Ancelotti’s Decision
Carlo Ancelotti is now left with the big choice of selecting who will be in goal for that monumental fixture.
Speaking regarding who will man the post for Real Madrid in the final, Ancelotti expressed that he is having a hard time making his choice in that department.
The Italian tactician said: “It is really difficult because ‘both of them deserve to play this final.
“Lunin, because he did a fantastic season, and Courtois, because he is back from his injury and everyone knows the quality of Courtois.”
Moreover, Thibaut Courtois was in goal for Real Madrid in the final of the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League, where they defeated Liverpool by 1-0, courtesy of a 59th-minute goal by Vinicius Jr.
The veteran will also be good to go for the final, but it will be interesting and shocking to see if Carlo Ancelotti will stick with Andriy Lunin for the game against Borussia Dortmund, although his fitness level remains the primary concern for all parties involved.
Andriy Lunin, who was born in Krasnograd, Kharkiv Oblast, joined Real Madrid from Zorya Lugansk for a fee of €8.50 million.
Lunin has made 48 appearances for Los Blancos across all competitions, keeping 16 clean sheets thus far.
Andriy Lunin has won several trophies in his career, including; 2 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Champions League, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup.
