Real Madrid player set to be dropped despite great form

Real Madrid have been dealing with a number of injury problems in recent times and deserve a lot of credit for not letting their form dip despite that. The players should be given a lot of praise for that. Whoever has been called upon has come into the starting XI in a time of need and put in great performances.

Andriy Lunin is a prime example of that. He was handed the first-team gloves after Kepa Arrizabalaga got injured during the warm-up ahead of the SC Braga match in the UEFA Champions League.

Lunin announced his presence immediately by saving a penalty early in the game against SC Braga and ultimately kept a clean sheet on the day. Overall, he has conceded just one goal in the three matches he has played since Kepa’s injury.

That is excellent. But when Kepa returns to fitness, it looks like he will walk straight back into the starting XI while Lunin will return to the bench.

Real Madrid player set to be dropped despite great form

As reported by MARCA, Carlo Ancelotti said at a press conference after Real Madrid’s comfortable victory over Cadiz:

"“If Kepa is there, he is going to play.”"

Speaking about Lunin, the Italian manager said:

"“The important thing is that Lunin has been ready when Kepa was injured, I think he will return in the game against Granada.”"

Lunin’s current deal with Real Madrid runs out at the end of the season and he is expected to leave soon. It is not hard to understand why that is the case.

Even when Lunin has done well, he has not been rewarded with more playing time. He spent years as Thibaut Courtois’ cover but when the Belgian suffered an ACL injury earlier this season, the club went out and signed Kepa on loan from Chelsea instead of giving the 24-year-old a run with the gloves.

There is no lack of interest in Lunin’s signature if he was to leave. Scottish champions Celtic have been linked with him. Real Betis are rumoured to hold an interest as well.