Real Madrid encountered Levante on Saturday (January 17th) with Alvaro Arbeloa desperate to oversee his first win as caretaker manager. The game came after a nightmare start to his reign, losing 3-2 to Segunda Division outfit Albacete in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.
Arbeloa gave a number of players opportunities to impress against Alabecete but it was a grim night for Los Blancos. He recalled several regular starters on Saturday including Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
But the Spaniard was without Thibaut Courtois' backup Andriy Lunin for the clash with Levante at the Estadio Bernabeu.
Real Madrid star ruled out of Levante
Lunin played against Albacete and made just his third appearance of the season as he continues to struggle to displace Courtois. The Ukrainian wasn't available for the Levante game after picking up an injury.
The Athletic's Mario Cortegana reports that he felt calf discomfort in the Copa del Rey exit. Tests suggest he could face a week on the sidelines, but there are hopes he'll return for the AS Monaco game on Tuesday (January 20th).
⚡️Lunin felt calf discomfort after the match vs. Albacete and will not be available tomorrow vs. Levante
— Mario Cortegana (@MarioCortegana) January 16, 2026
➕Initial tests pointed to a week out but work is being done for him to be back for the Monaco game at the Bernabeu@TheAthleticFC
Lunin's future has been the subject of speculation amid his lack of game time. He has been at Madrid since 2018, showing professionalism as he waits to take the number one jersey.
But that doesn't look likely to happen anytime soon with Courtois still putting in world class performances. It might be a case of him weighing up his future in the summer if he feels he needs to depart to play regular football at this stage of his career.
Lunin could leave in January
While it's unlikely Lunin leaves before the January transfer window closes, it isn't completely off the cards. That's because Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in the 26-year-old, and Madrid are prepared to sell if they receive a suitable offer for the goalkeeper.
Lunin has lost his place in the Ukraine national team as a result of limited game time at the Bernabeu. He could feel the opportunity to become number one for a Premier League club is too hard to turn down.
There have been suggestions that Florentino Perez views him as Courtois' long-term replacement. The club's president hasn't needed to enter the goalkeeping market because he posseses one of the best number two's in the country.
Lunin has just under four years left on his contract which means Madrid have the final say over his future. He has won two Champions Leagues and as many La Liga titles during his time in the Spanish capital.