Real Madrid superstar a doubt for Leganes clash; could be replaced by 26-year-old ace | OneFootball

Following the international break, Real Madrid will be back in action this Saturday with a La Liga encounter against Leganes.

The Merengues will be eager to hit the ground running and keep up pace with current league leaders Barcelona, who will be playing their game in hand on Thursday against Osasuna.

However, Carlo Ancelotti & co. might end up being without one of their most important players for the Leganes encounter.

Thibaut Courtois a doubt for Leganes clash

Indeed, according to MARCA, Thibaut Courtois is a doubt to feature for Real Madrid against Leganes this Saturday.

The Belgian international returned from national team duty carrying a knock which he picked up in the UEFA Nations League clash vs. Ukraine last week, which led to him even missing the reverse fixture against the same team.

However, it was expected that the 32-year-old would recover and be ready to start by the time Real Madrid face Leganes.

Things have not turned out that way, though, as Courtois continues to train separately from the rest of the squad.

While the issue is not considered serious, the goalkeeper has now spent two consecutive days working indoors at Valdebebas, casting doubts over his availability.

Andriy Lunin to start?

Lunin to start vs Leganes? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Real Madrid are unwilling to take any risks with their first-choice goalkeeper, and as a result, Andriy Lunin has emerged as the frontrunner to start in goal.

The 26-year-old Ukrainian international has proven to be a reliable understudy for Los Blancos. His likely inclusion could serve as valuable preparation ahead of the Copa del Rey clash against Real Sociedad, where he is expected to feature once again.

Courtois though has not been ruled out entirely as of yet. His sensations over the coming days will ultimately determine Carlo Ancelotti includes him in the squad for Saturday’s game.