Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti made a big decision as Los Blancos prepare to take on RCD Mallorca in their first match of 2024 at Santiago Bernabeu on January 3.
After repeatedly saying Kepa Arrizabalaga is his first choice for the starting goalkeeper, the Italian has decided to keep Andriy Lunin as the goalkeeper for the upcoming clash in La Liga, reported MARCA on Monday.
Kepa was signed on loan after Thibaut Courtois was ruled out for the season following an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear and even before the Spaniard’s arrival, Ancelotti confirmed in a presser that the 29-year-old would be the starting goalkeeper as soon he arrived.
And that is what happened as the Spaniard became the undisputed starter for Los Blancos but he picked up a minor injury in November which provided Lunin the much-needed opportunity to shine and the Ukrainian made the most of it.
In nine matches played this season, Lunin only conceded five goals while Kepa started in 15 matches and allowed 12 inside his goal, that may be the reason behind the Italian’s new choice of goalkeeper.
Lunin’s contract with the Los Blancos ends in 2024 and the club hasn’t made any renewal offer yet, and if things don’t change in the coming days, the 24-year-old may leave Madrid.
Earlier, it was reported that Turk prodigy Arda Guler will also get his first minutes during the match against Mallorca.
Guler has been training normally with the team and also completing all the exercises without any pain or complaint.
If everything goes according to plan, Guler will be seen wearing Madrid’s shirt for the first time since moving to the Spanish capital against Mallorca at the Bernabeu.
The club wants him to play his first minutes at the home ground so the 18-year-old can gain confidence. If Guler made a positive impression during his cameo against Mallorca, he could have his first start for the Whites on January 6 when Madrid will play Arandila in a Copa del Ray round of 32 clash.
It must be noted that Guler tore his meniscus in a training session during the Whites' pre-season tour to the United States in July, and underwent knee arthroscopy in August.
He was expected to return in November but the 18-year-old picked up a muscle injury in a training session and was ruled out for a month.