Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois was injured in the second-leg match against Manchester City, and it has been confirmed that the injury is more serious than it seemed. He will be away from the pitch for more than a month, which forces Andriy Lunin to step up. According to Defensa Central, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has met with him to convey his confidence.

Courtois' absence will be a tough blow for Real Madrid, but it is not a drama. Above all, because they count on Lunin to make the Belgian goalkeeper's absence forgotten. They consider him capable of delivering great performances in matches that are going to be decisive.

Arbeloa wanted to speak with Lunin at Valdebebas after Courtois' injury. And the fact is that he is going to have to step up because in that conversation, he gave him full authority as the starting goalkeeper. What's more, he conveyed all the confidence he has in him for him to take over the position and told him that he is going to be a key piece.

Although Courtois is the best player in the world in his position, Lunin can be the best backup. It is difficult to find a goalkeeper who surpasses the Ukrainian and is not a starter. That is why Arbeloa has no doubt that his performance will meet the team's needs.

Although Arbeloa was not with the first team, he did experience the season that ended with the conquest of the 15th European Cup very closely. In that season, Courtois suffered a serious knee injury and was away from the pitch for many months. However, Lunin ultimately secured the position with strong performances.

Fresh in the memory are matches against Leipzig and against Manchester City on the road to the final in London. Real Madrid's presence at Wembley was largely thanks to Lunin. And Arbeloa trusts that his level this season will be as high as it was on that occasion.

Lunin had to come on at halftime of the match against Manchester City at the Etihad. It was not easy at all; however, he delivered a great performance with several saves of great merit. They hold onto that as they look ahead to what awaits them in the coming weeks.

First will be the derby against Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu, with the league title still at stake. And then the Champions League quarterfinals against Bayern Munich, with Courtois surely missing the first leg. In these matches, Lunin must prove he can ensure the white team does not suffer.

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