Not just Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius in doubt: Real Madrid could face Arsenal in UEFA Champions League without another key player

With Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior already in doubt for Real Madrid’s Champions League quarterfinal against Arsenal, another major setback has emerged for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. As the club braces for potential UEFA sanctions against four of its stars following a controversial derby victory over Atlético Madrid, an injury concern is quietly unfolding behind the scenes.

While much of the attention remains on Mbappe, Vinicius, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Ceballos, who are under investigation for their post-match conduct, Real Madrid could be missing yet another crucial name when they travel to the Emirates Stadium.

Key absence in goal?

Los Blancos have already played two consecutive matches without their first-choice goalkeeper, and with each passing day, the concerns grow. What initially seemed like a minor setback has now turned into a race against time for a crucial return.

In fact, Thibaut Courtois picked up a muscle injury during the recent international break, missing his national team’s second fixture due to precautionary concerns. Early reports suggested he would be fit in time for Real Madrid’s La Liga clash against Leganes, but he was absent from the squad once again.

His continued absence has forced backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin into the starting lineup, a role he has handled admirably. Lunin was already expected to feature in the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg against Real Sociedad, but with the club’s No.1 still unable to train with the main squad, the Ukrainian could be on the verge of an extended run in the starting XI.

Thibaut Courtois’ injury: Growing concern?

It has now been confirmed that Thibaut Courtois has yet to fully recover from the muscle issue he sustained while on international duty with Belgium. Initially described as a precautionary measure, his absence has stretched longer than expected, raising concerns over his availability for upcoming fixtures.

The Belgian’s return was originally penciled in for Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Valencia on April 5, a game that would serve as his comeback ahead of the crucial Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal on April 9. However, according to reports from Cadena COPE, the experienced shot-stopper has not made the expected progress in his rehabilitation and is now considered a doubt for the Valencia match—putting his UEFA Champions League participation at serious risk.

If Courtois is unable to recover in time, Lunin will likely start against Arsenal, marking one of the biggest moments of his career. While Lunin has proven his reliability in cup competitions, stepping into a Champions League quarterfinal against a high-intensity Gunners’ attack is a completely different challenge.