Real Madrid’s hopes of winning the Champions League have taken a hit after star goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga suffered an adductor muscle injury warming up for the Champions League game against Braga.
The Spaniard is expected to be out for around three weeks, which will rule him out of the group stage finale against Celtic and the first leg of the last-16 knockout round.
Kepa’s injury is a major blow for Real Madrid, who are already without number one goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Courtois has been out of action since the start of the season with a knee injury.
In Kepa’s absence, Real Madrid will likely turn to Ukrainian backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Lunin impressed in Kepa’s place against Braga, keeping a clean sheet in a 3-0 victory.
However, Lunin is still inexperienced at the highest level, and his lack of experience could prove costly for Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Kepa’s injury is also a blow for his international ambitions. The Spaniard was hoping to be called up to the Spain squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Cyprus and Georgia.
However, his injury will now rule him out of those matches.
Kepa’s injury is a controversial one, as some fans are questioning why he was even playing in the Champions League match against Braga. Real Madrid had already qualified for the last-16 knockout round before the match, and some fans believe that Kepa should have been rested.
Other fans have defended Real Madrid’s decision to play Kepa, arguing that he needed match practice to keep him sharp for the Champions League knockout round.
Regardless of the controversy, Kepa’s injury is a major blow for Real Madrid. The Spaniard is a key player for the club, and his absence will be a major setback for their hopes of winning the Champions League this season.
