Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin tests positive for COVID-19

Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has tested positive for COVID-19, which will force him out of this weekend’s La Liga fixture against Real Betis.

22-year-old Lunin is only back-up to first choice stopper Thibaut Courtois but has been an important part of the matchday squad since the start of last season.

The Ukraine international has been on the bench for Real’s opening two games of the season. His enforced isolation also risks ruling him out international duty after being called up for his country’s World Cup qualifiers starting next week.

A statement from Real confirmed only that Lunin has tested positive and made no mention of the length of his isolation or whether any other members of the squad or staff require additional testing if anyone has been in close contact with the goalkeeper.

With Lunin unable to take his usual place on the bench for the Betis fixture, Real must decide what selection decisions to make ahead of the game on Saturday.

20-year-old Toni Fuidias has been on an expanded bench in addition to Lunin for the two La Liga games played so far. Real could choose to make do with Fuidias alone this time, opting to fill the space with another outfield player, or call up another Castilla goalkeeper in Luis Lopez.

Real have taken four points from their opening La Liga fixtures this season, enjoying a 4-1 win over Alaves before being held to a 3-3 draw against Levante last time out. They sit third in the table behind Sevilla and Atletico Madrid, both of whom have maximum points so far.

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