Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has given more indications that he will field goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois instead of Andriy Lunin in the Champions League final. Courtois has played his last two league games, and Ancelotti made it clear that the Belgian would have been first choice in normal circumstances.
Ancelotti did not say that Courtois would play all three of his remaining league matches, which indicates half a chance of Lunin retaining his place in the Champions League.
“We are evaluating it. Lunin and Kepa will also play. It will not be that simple because there are not many games. We are thinking about it.”
He has been pressed on several occasions for his opinion on the goalkeepers, after reports emerged last week that the Italian intends to field Courtois in the final.
“I think like you. Lunin had a great season and Courtois is the best goalkeeper in the world.”
“I told the truth. I think like you. I have to take Lunin into account and I have to take into account that the best goalkeeper in the world is coming back. He needs minutes.”
Meanwhile, Eder Militao is another uncertain situation. He was the team's first-choice defender last season, but after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, Ancelotti confirmed he will not start in Tuesday's final.
“Not yet. He needs minutes and I hope he will be at his best before the final.
Carlo Ancelotti, on concerns #real madrid The band can relax:
“I don't think so. After the match against Alaves I will give them three days of rest. They need to rest and then we will prepare for the final in the next two weeks.” pic.twitter.com/lNqBdVnW3M
– Spanish Football (@footballespana_) May 13, 2024
For Aurelien Chouamini, who injured his foot against Bayern Munich, the prognosis is somewhat more pessimistic.
“He doesn't have many chances, but it's not unlikely. His foot doesn't hurt that much.”
