Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had told the media that he would make a decision on which goalkeeper would be the default starter for the second half of the season before the Christmas break. According to the latest reports coming out of the Spanish capital, the Italian has made up his mind.
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was loaned in after Thibaut Courtois went down with an anterior cruciate ligament injury just days before the opening game of the season. It was assumed that he would be the starter the rest of the way, and early on in his spell, he had even spoken about a desire to remain at the club beyond his loan.
That looks unlikely if, as Marca claim, Andriy Lunin beats him out for number one spot for the rest of the season. The Ukrainian goalkeeper was reportedly not to Ancelotti’s liking as a back-up last season, but after some excellent performances following an injury to Kepa, won several starts once the ex-Athletic Club man returned to fitness.
Ancelotti had declared that Kepa would return to the starting role, and the Madrid-based daily say there are no issues with his attitude, work-rate or performances, but Lunin has conceded just 5 times in 9 games, whereas Kepa has let in 12 goals in 15 games. With Lunin set to start on Real Madrid’s return to action against Real Mallorca, it looks as if the job is his to lose.
