Maximum anticipation with Thibaut Courtois, it's very likely, and Andriy Lunin already knows it.

Thibaut Courtois is, by far, the best player at Real Madrid in recent weeks. Against Liverpool, the Belgian goalkeeper once again showed why he's considered the best goalkeeper in the world. His interventions were decisive in preventing a rout at Anfield, where Xabi Alonso's team fell 1-0 in a match dominated by the English.

Yesterday, against Rayo, Thibaut Courtois was once again key. He only had to intervene twice, but his mere presence in the box caused security for the defense. With his great wingspan and tremendous quality, he conveys a lot of authority between the posts.

Thibaut Courtois raises concerns after Vallecas

However, despite how good the Belgian is, after the break there could be a change in Real Madrid's goal. Thibaut Courtois finished the match against Rayo with slight muscle discomfort that has set off alarms in Valdebebas. Xabi Alonso, aware of the importance of his goalkeeper, doesn't want to take unnecessary risks.

In the coming hours, he will undergo medical tests to determine the exact extent of that discomfort. For now, the feeling isn't worrisome, but the priority is to keep Thibaut Courtois from missing many matches. That's why, at Real Madrid, it's assumed that after the international break, Andriy Lunin could take over as the starting goalkeeper on a provisional basis.

It's Andriy Lunin's turn

Andriy Lunin has been an exemplary substitute and has always performed whenever he's been draftedon. His growth in recent years is undeniable, and within the club there's full trust in his abilities. The Ukrainian knows that Thibaut Courtois is untouchable, but he also understands that circumstances could give him a new opportunity.

In this context, the role of the Belgian national team will be decisive. Real Madrid hope that their federation understands the situation and allows Thibaut Courtois to stay in Spain during the break. If they don't, Andriy Lunin has a strong chance of starting at the Martínez Valero in Elche.

Xabi Alonso has already communicated it internally: the priority is the Belgian's health and his return won't be rushed under any circumstances. Meanwhile, Andriy Lunin has a new opportunity to show his tremendous talent. Even so, within the club, they hope and trust that the break will help Thibaut Courtois fully recover and be able to start against Elche.