Reason for Real Madrid star’s absence for Levante game and when he can return – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid announced the squad list for Alvaro Arbeloa’s first La Liga game in charge as they host Levante at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

While the Merengues have been boosted by the return of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois, and Alvaro Carreras after being rested for the midweek cup tie vs Albacete, they have been dealt with a fresh blow.

Indeed, goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who started the Copa del Rey clash at Estadio Carlos Belmonte on Wednesday, was not named in the squad.

Lunin absent due to muscle issue

Providing an update on the goalkeeper’s situation, journalist Mario Cortegana of The Athletic reports that Lunin felt discomfort in his calf after the game against Albacete.

As such, he has been left out of the squad by manager Arbeloa, with Fran Gonzalez and Sergio Mestre being the backup options in goal, while Thibaut Courtois will reclaim his starting berth.

Andriy Lunin out with calf discomfort. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

As per the report, tests conducted revealed that the Ukrainian international could be out of action for around a week.

However, the player and the medical staff are working towards ensuring his return in time to face AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League next Tuesday.

So far this season, Lunin has played only three games across all competitions – one in the Champions League and the other two in the Copa del Rey.

The 26-year-old shot-stopper has failed to secure a single clean sheet, conceding as many as eight goals across his three appearances.

With the team crashing out of the Copa del Rey this week, it will be interesting to see if Lunin gets another game this season or not. For now, though, the focus will be on his recovery, with a return for the Monaco clash being targeted.