Real Madrid is facing potential squad concerns as they approach their La Liga match against Leganes. Focus is on the fitness of two key players: goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and right-back Dani Carvajal.
Thibaut Courtois in Doubt for Leganes La Liga Clash
Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, is a major doubt for their upcoming La Liga fixture against Leganes. The Belgian international reportedly sustained a knock during the recent international break while on duty with his national team.
- Courtois picked up the injury during Belgium’s UEFA Nations League playoff first leg match against Ukraine, a game they lost 3-1.
- The injury forced him to sit out the second leg against Ukraine, which Belgium won 3-0.
- Despite initial expectations that the injury was minor, Courtois has been training separately from the main Real Madrid squad for the past two days, casting doubt on his readiness to face Leganes.
- Reports from MARCA indicate that Courtois might not be fit enough to start in the crucial La Liga game against Leganes, a match essential for Real Madrid to keep pace with Barcelona in the league title race.
Should Courtois be unavailable, 26-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is expected to step in. Lunin has proven to be a reliable understudy, filling in admirably whenever Courtois has been sidelined due to injury.
- Lunin has made 10 starts for Real Madrid this season, showcasing his capabilities between the posts.
- He has also impressively maintained four clean sheets in those appearances, demonstrating his shot-stopping prowess.
- Lunin is also anticipated to feature in the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg against Real Sociedad, further highlighting the trust the club has in him.
Ultimately, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will make the final decision on whether Courtois is fit to play against Leganes, factoring in the goalkeeper’s fitness level as the Saturday game approaches.
Dani Carvajal Targets FIFA Club World Cup Return
In positive news for Real Madrid, right-back Dani Carvajal is making significant progress in his recovery and has his sights set on returning to action for the FIFA Club World Cup. The prestigious tournament is scheduled to be held in the United States during June and July.
- Dani Carvajal suffered a serious injury in October last year during Real Madrid’s game against Villarreal, tearing his ACL and lateral collateral ligament.
- His absence has been a significant blow to Real Madrid, as he was a regular starter under Carlo Ancelotti and a vital part of their defensive setup.
- After an extensive period of rehabilitation, Carvajal returned to training with the team last week, marking a major milestone in his recovery journey.
- The Spanish defender is reportedly highly motivated to regain full fitness and is working diligently to gradually increase his training intensity in the coming weeks.
- Carvajal’s target is to build up his match fitness and playing time progressively, aiming to be in peak condition for Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
Dani Carvajal’s value to Real Madrid extends beyond his defensive skills. He is highly regarded for his leadership qualities and is seen as a key figure in the team’s dressing room, bringing experience and a winning mentality.
In Carvajal’s absence, Ancelotti has primarily used Lucas Vázquez at right-back. While Vázquez has provided versatility and effort, his performances have been inconsistent. Fede Valverde, known for his adaptability, has also filled in at right-back, offering another solution, but Carvajal’s specialist skills and experience are keenly missed.
Stay tuned for further updates on Courtois’s and Carvajal’s fitness as Real Madrid prepares for upcoming crucial fixtures in La Liga and beyond. Follow us for real-time updates and in-depth sports analysis.