Real Madrid supporters felt a wave of concern when Andriy Lunin took to the field for the second half against Manchester City on Tuesday evening. While Lunin is a highly capable backup goalkeeper, the sight of Thibaut Courtois leaving the pitch with an injury sparked fears, especially with the upcoming Madrid derby against Atletico on Sunday.
Fortunately, Los Blancos managed well without Courtois in the latter half, with Lunin making several important saves. However, with their title aspirations potentially hinging on a victory against Atletico, Courtois’ presence could be crucial. Initial reports suggested Courtois was unlikely to participate in the derby after sustaining a hamstring strain. He is scheduled for further medical assessments on Thursday to determine the full extent of the injury, as per reports, following a decision to grant the 33-year-old a day of rest.
Manager Expresses Hope for Courtois’ Return
Following the match, the Real Madrid manager conveyed a more optimistic outlook regarding Courtois’ condition, explaining that his substitution was purely a precautionary measure.
“It was done as a precaution. He felt some minor discomfort, and we opted not to take any risks. I am hopeful he will be available for selection on Sunday,” the manager stated in a post-match interview.
He further elaborated in his press conference: “Courtois experienced some discomfort and initially wished to continue, but it wasn’t necessary to push it. We have the derby rapidly approaching, which is another final for us, a truly pivotal fixture. We are fortunate to have an excellent goalkeeper like Lunin, who performed exceptionally well. What he consistently achieves whenever he plays is no easy feat.”
Manager Pleased with Mbappe’s Comeback
Another significant piece of injury news for Real Madrid concerned the return of Kylian Mbappe, who had been sidelined for six matches due to a knee issue.
“I am extremely pleased with Mbappe; he demonstrated great speed. I believe it was a clear penalty when he broke away at pace. He gave a very positive impression. We will assess our options between now and Sunday’s match,” the manager commented.
Mbappe rejoins a team that appears far more cohesive. The manager now faces a decision on whether to reinstate Mbappe directly into the starting eleven for the derby. While he would undoubtedly be a formidable threat as a super-sub off the bench, the French forward will surely be eager to return to competitive action from the outset.
