El Clasico: Barcelona forward Joao Felix makes mockery of Real Madrid ahead of crunch game
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Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid squad are grappling with a barrage of injuries, with yet another key player added to the growing casualty list.
Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao were the first to be hit by significant ACL injuries early in the season, followed by midfielder Daniel Ceballos, who picked a knee injury, further weakening the team's options.
Just when it appeared like there might be a little respite, news broke of Frenchman, Aurelien Tchoumeni, suffering a broken metatarsal during the clash at the Montjuic against Barcelona.
Unfortunately, there seems to be no relief for Los Blancos as Madrid Universal recently confirmed goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has sustained a tear in his right adductor.
El Clasico: Barcelona forward Joao Felix makes mockery of Real Madrid ahead of crunch game
FootballThe 29-year-old, on loan from Chelsea, had to be replaced by Andriy Lunin shortly after being named on the teamsheet ahead of the game against Sporting Braga. Further scans confirmed Kepa had suffered a minor tear to his right adductor that could keep him out until after the international break.
While Ancelotti would undoubtedly be concerned about Kepa's injury, the performance of Ukrainian goalkeeper Lunin, who deputised for the injured shot-stopper, was commendable. Lunin saved an early penalty and contributed to Real Madrid's 3-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
With Managing Madrid reporting on Kepa facing a two to three-week absence due to the thigh tear, Lunin looks set to continue in goal for Ancelotti's side as they host Valencia in round 13 of La Liga.
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El Clasico: How Barcelona could line up against Real Madrid
FootballSports Brief in a previous report stated Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti defended Kepa Arrizabalaga following an horrendous mistake against Napoli.
The Chelsea loanee was largely to blame for the first goal conceded by Los Blancos against Napoli following a header from Norwegian defender Loe Ostigard at the Stadio Maradona.
Kepa's subpar performances have led to criticism from doubters, but coach Carlo Ancelotti has come to his defence.