Real Madrid backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin missed Tuesday training with muscle fatigue but is expected to recover to start Friday’s behind-closed-doors preseason match against Leganés at Valdebebas, with first-choice Thibaut Courtois still absent as he continues to recover from a World Cup-related injury.
Latest fitness update: Lunin sidelined briefly but set to start against Leganés
Andriy Lunin missed Tuesday’s session after feeling muscle fatigue during Monday’s training. The issue is being treated as minor and the goalkeeper is expected to be fit for Real Madrid’s first preseason match against Leganés at Valdebebas on Friday, which will be closed to the public.
Why Courtois’ absence matters
Thibaut Courtois has not rejoined full training following his participation in the World Cup and left Spain’s quarterfinal clash with an injury. With the starting goalkeeper still on the mend, Lunin is poised to take on a leading role in the team’s early preseason work.
Immediate implications for the squad
Lunin’s likely start gives him a chance to shoulder match minutes and match-rhythm responsibility while Courtois recovers. For the coaching staff, this is a straightforward contingency: rely on the deputy to keep the position stable rather than rush the No.1 back from an international layoff and injury.
What this means for Lunin’s standing
A clean bill of health and composed displays would reinforce Lunin’s reputation as a dependable backup — valuable during a summer when Real Madrid must manage players returning from long tournaments. Strong preseason minutes could translate into more competitive opportunities early in the season, particularly in cup ties or rotational fixtures.
Context: preseason logistics and club priorities
The match at Valdebebas will be behind closed doors, emphasizing that the coaching staff priorities are fitness, assessment and cautious reintegration of players who featured in the World Cup. Managing Courtois’ recovery properly is a clear priority; preserving his long-term fitness outweighs immediate preseason optics.
Next steps and what to watch
Expect Real Madrid to monitor Lunin closely in training ahead of Friday and to keep Courtois on a conservative recovery timetable.
Claude Makelele urges Florentino Perez to back mega-money Michael Olise move
The upcoming week will reveal whether Lunin’s issue was truly transient and how quickly Courtois progresses — both factors that will shape the club’s early-season goalkeeper rotation and preparation.
Yahoo! News
