Real Madrid are set to face Celta Vigo at Balaidos this weekend, and loan signing Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to start in goal.
This means that Andriy Lunin, who started the last two games in place of the injured Thibaut Courtois, will now drop back down to the bench.
This represents something of a u-turn by Carlo Ancelotti, who described Lunin as ‘great,’ and claimed that he has full confidence in him, prior to Kepa’s arrival.
A report from MARCA has now claimed that the Real Madrid staff are delighted with how Kepa has performed in training so far, and he is now set to make his first start in La Liga since 2018 against Rafa Benitez’s side.
It’s been a long time coming
Real Madrid first registered their interest in the keeper five years ago when he was playing for Athletic Club. A deal was on the verge of agreement before Zinedine Zidane decided against signing him, and he subsequently went to Chelsea for a world-record goalkeeper fee six months later.
Courtois’ injury prompted Los Blancos to move quickly, with Bayern Munich also interested in a loan move for Kepa, and they managed to secure a deal for the 28-year-old.
He has not had the best time at Chelsea, and in the national team he has fallen down the pecking order, but if he can impress at Real Madrid, perhaps he can earn himself a permanent move to the club or elsewhere, with his reputation restored.
It will be tough to replace Courtois whilst he is injured, but Kepa arrives as a player who has won a number of trophies with Chelsea, and has a lot of experience in La Liga and Europe.
Balaidos will be a tough start for Kepa, and if he can keep a clean sheet on his debut, it will set him up nicely for the coming months at Real Madrid.