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Carlo Ancelotti says he is yet to decide whether to play Andriy Lunin or Thibaut Courtois in goal for Real Madrid’s Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
Lunin, 25, had become Ancelotti’s No 1 throughout the season in the absence of Courtois, who suffered a knee ligament injury back in August.
Real signed Kepa Arrizabalaga on a season-long loan deal in August as cover for Courtois. However, an injury to the Spain international in November opened the door for Lunin to claim the starting position.
Courtois, however, recently returned from injury earlier this month, keeping a clean sheet in his first appearance of the campaign as Real beat Cadiz 3-0.
Ancelotti remained coy on who he would start, suggesting he would make a late call before the game on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.
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He said: “It’s very difficult because both deserve to play in the final: Lunin because he has had a great season and Courtois because he has come back from injury. I will wait until the last day to decide.
“Lunin now has a fever, but he’ll be ready for Saturday. But the best goalkeeper in the world is also coming. I love the debate and if I tell you who plays, the debate is over.”
Despite Ancelotti’s words, Courtois is expected to start the final in goal for Real.
Lunin has made 31 appearances for Real this season. The Athletic reported earlier this month that the Ukrainian is close to agreeing a new contract, keeping him at the club until 2029. His current deal runs out in 2025.
Courtois, meanwhile, has featured in four out of Real’s last six matches. He was also in goal when his side lifted their last Champions League trophy against Liverpool in 2022.
(Federico Titone/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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