"When fever is not an obstacle to train" – Andriy Lunin's wife provides fitness update on Real Madrid star ahead of UCL final
Andriy Lunin's wife, Anastasiia Tomazova, has offered a positive fitness update on the Real Madrid goalkeeper ahead of the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League final on Saturday (June 1).
Lunin, who has relished a breakout season, missed Los Blancos' recent first-team training session due to a fever. The Ukrainian has reportedly been told to train alone to avoid other players getting infected ahead of his team's contest against Borussia Dortmund.
On Wednesday (May 29), Tomazova shared a video of her husband running with a ball at his feet in his home's backyard on one of her Instagram stories. She wrote:
"When fever is not an obstacle to train. I'm so proud of you."
Lunin, who arrived from Zorya Lugansk for around €8.5 million in the summer of 2018, could fail to start the Champions League final after recovering from his fever. Thibaut Courtois is said to be the favored option, having kept four clean sheets in his last four matches.
Earlier this week, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was asked who will be the starting goalkeeper in his team's Champions League summit clash against BVB. He replied (h/t beIN SPORTS):
"It's a very tough decision because both deserve to play in the final. Lunin has had a fantastic season, and although he has a fever today, he'll recover by Saturday. And Courtois, because he's back from his injury and is the best goalkeeper in the world. I enjoy this debate, so this week, when I have nothing to do, I like listening to it."
Lunin, who played just 17 times for his club before this term, has made 31 overall appearances in the ongoing campaign. He has registered 12 clean sheets and conceded 32 goals for Real Madrid so far.
Thibaut Courtois asserts he is prepared to feature for Real Madrid in upcoming clash
Speaking to Diario AS, Real Madrid superstar Thibaut Courtois claimed that he is ready to start in the Champions League final after bouncing back from two knee injuries. He said (h/t ESPN):
"I feel 100% and ready for who the coach decides to play at Wembley. We are all at 100% and it will be for the coach to decide who plays. Many people thought my season was over [when he suffered a new knee injury in March] but I had hope that I would return to play."
Courtois, 32, has missed a whopping 47 overall games due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury and a meniscus tear this season. The Belgian has made four La Liga appearances so far and has been on the bench three times across all competitions.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti could opt to start Courtois against Borussia Dortmund due to the player's past experience. The ex-Chelsea star registered a record nine saves in his team's 1-0 Champions League final win over Liverpool in 2022.