Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, stated on Friday that the club is not actively pursuing a new goalkeeper in the transfer market to replace the injured Thibaut Courtois as the new La Liga season approaches.
Courtois is facing an extended absence from a significant portion of the season due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, which occurred during a training session on Thursday.
However, Ancelotti expressed confidence in Ukrainian backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin’s ability to step in for Courtois. Courtois, who was honoured with the Yashin Trophy last year as the world’s top goalkeeper, will be temporarily replaced by Lunin.
“We have total confidence in Lunin, who is a great goalkeeper,” Ancelotti told a press conference ahead of Real’s La Liga opener at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
“He’s been very good during pre-season. He’s talented, and what he lacks is what all young players lack – experience, the experience he’s going to gain day by day.”
Ancelotti said the club may still look to bolster its goalkeeping options.
“We still have time until August 31,” he added. “We’ll see in the next few days if we’re going to recruit another goalkeeper, to make up the numbers, because we count on Lunin.”
This season will mark the start of a new era at Madrid following the departure of Karim Benzema for Saudi Arabia after 14 years at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 14-time European champions have not signed an obvious replacement for their second-highest scorer of all-time, although they have brought in striker Joselu on loan from Espanyol, and winger Brahim Diaz has returned to the club following his three-year loan spell at AC Milan.
“Up front, we’re very good. We have different options,” said Ancelotti.
“Two players have arrived, and they bring positives. Joselu, thanks to his different characteristics. He is very good in the box… And Brahim can offer us more solutions between the lines.”
Madrid have made an imprint on the transfer window, though, signing England midfielder Jude Bellingham for 103 million euros ($113 million) from Borussia Dortmund.
Ancelotti will be hoping Bellingham can freshen up his midfield, which was still largely reliant on veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos last season.
The Italian hinted that Bellingham could play in a more attacking role than previously seen for Dortmund and England.
“I think he has a greater impact on the opponents if he plays higher. He’s more dangerous if he plays like a centre-forward.”
Madrid are bidding to bounce back from a disappointing season last term, when they finished a distant second in La Liga, 10 points behind Barcelona, and were beaten in the Champions League semi-finals by Manchester City.
Elsewhere this weekend, champions Barca kick off their title defence at Getafe on Sunday, before Atletico Madrid host Granada on Monday.