Real Madrid confirm thigh injury for Kepa Arrizabalaga

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 10 November 2023

Real Madrid confirm that Kepa Arrizabalaga suffered a thigh injury ahead of Wednesday's Champions League contest with Braga at Bernabeu.

Real Madrid have confirmed that Kepa Arrizabalaga suffered a thigh injury ahead of Wednesday's Champions League contest with Braga at Bernabeu.

The Spain international, who is on loan at Real Madrid from Chelsea, was named in the starting side for the European clash with Braga in the Spanish capital.

However, an injury that the 29-year-old sustained in the warm-up led to Andriy Lunin featuring between the sticks, and the Ukrainian saved a penalty during the team's 3-0 win.

Real Madrid remain without the services of number one goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois due to a long-term knee problem, meaning that Lunin will start against Valencia in La Liga on Saturday.

Los Blancos have said that Kepa has damaged "the adductor longus muscle in his right thigh", although the club have not put a timeframe on his absence.

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on August 3, 2023 © Reuters

"Following tests carried out on our player Kepa Arrizabalaga by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the adductor longus muscle in his right thigh. Evolution pending," read a statement on the Spanish club's official website.

Kepa was signed by Real Madrid over the summer in response to the ACL injury suffered by Courtois.

The goalkeeper has said on multiple occasions that he wants to join Los Blancos on a permanent deal next summer, although he would likely have to accept being the number two behind Courtois.

Kepa has made 13 appearances for the capital giants this season, keeping six clean sheets in the process, but Lunin now has the chance to impress between the sticks.

Real Madrid's Andriy Lunin celebrates with Nacho after saving from Braga's Alvaro Djalo on November 8, 2023 © Reuters

When asked whether a strong performance against Valencia could lead to Lunin becoming the number one while Courtois remains out, Ancelotti told reporters: "There is always a debate. When Kepa has played he has done very well and when Lunin has been used he has done very well.

"Everyone can have a good moment or a less good moment and then the replacement has to be ready."

The Real Madrid head coach also confirmed that Fran Gonzalez would now be promoted to the number two for the match with Valencia at Bernabeu.

"Tomorrow Fran [Gonzalez] will be the second goalkeeper. We have a lot of confidence in him. [Lucas] Canizares is also doing well for Castilla," he said.

Real Madrid are currently second in the La Liga table, two points behind leaders Girona, and they were held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano in the league last weekend.