Andriy Lunin will return in the Real Madrid goal against Villarreal at Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday evening.
Real Madrid will aim to continue building momentum ahead of the UEFA Champions League final when they lock horns with Villarreal at Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday evening. And Carlo Ancelotti does not have any new issues hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
David Alaba remains the long-term absentee for the away side due to his knee injury. In addition, Aurelien Tchouameni is nursing his knee issue and is not in the travelling squad to take on Villarreal.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti discussed several issues during his pre-match press conference. The goalkeeping conundrum was one of the topics, and he also spoke about Eder Militao’s progress in his recent outings.
The Real Madrid manager said, “There is no debate for me [on goalkeepers}. As I’ve said, the doubts come from your side… Lunin has had a fantastic season, he’s really helped us reach the final and Courtois is making his way back to what he was before the injury, the best in the world. Lunin will play tomorrow.”
On Militao, Ancelotti said, “Having seen him in the last couple of games, he looks pretty close to being back at 100%. He looks in great shape, he’s really come on. He needed minutes and now he’s getting them. He’ll be playing tomorrow as well. I think he’s close to being back at his best and so of course, he’s an option for us and he may play.”
Militao will drop out of the Real Madrid starting lineup on Sunday, with Antonio Rudiger replacing him as Nacho’s central defensive partner. The Brazilian international should return next week for Los Blancos’ final La Liga game of the 2023/24 season.
Meanwhile, Lucas Vazquez and Fran Garcia should return to the team as the full-backs, with Andriy Lunin getting the nod over Thibaut Courtois between the sticks. As for the midfield unit, Ancelotti should ring in the changes.
Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos will return, joining Eduardo Camavinga in the middle of the park. Jude Bellingham will reprise his usual role, with Brahim Diaz and Joselu completing the numbers in the final third.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Lunin; Vazquez, Rudiger, Nacho, Fran Garcia; Ceballos, Camavinga, Modric; Bellingham; Brahim, Joselu
