Ancelotti's Surprise Against Athletic: A Heavyweight Might Be Left Out of the Starting 11

Real Madrid already has a squad list ready to host Athletic Club. The big news is the return of Andriy Lunin.

The Ukrainian goalkeeper returns after overcoming the soleus injury. An ailment he suffered in the Copa semifinal against Real Sociedad that left him out of the match against Arsenal.

His inclusion has set off alarms in the locker room. Everything points to him possibly being a starter next weekend. Ancelotti wants to give him minutes so he arrives in rhythm for the Copa del Rey final.

Lunin, Favorite for the Final

The coaching staff sees him as the main candidate to defend the goal in the final on April 26. The Ukrainian has been the goalkeeper throughout the competition, and Ancelotti might give him the reward ahead of Courtois.

Therefore, against Athletic, Lunin could reappear in the starting eleven. A move that would imply leaving Courtois, who has been the chosen one in the last important matches, on the bench.

But the surprise doesn't end in the goal. According to sources close to the club, Ancelotti is considering making more rotations. Not due to poor performance, but to arrive fresh for the upcoming key matches: the Copa final and LaLiga

Valverde and Tchouameni are the names that are most mentioned. Both have accumulated many minutes and could rest.

Preparing for the Copa

The match against Athletic is important, but the club knows that the Copa final is a priority. Therefore, Ancelotti wants to distribute efforts. Give rest to those who have played the most and give playing time to those who will be key in Seville.

Lunin, therefore, has a strong chance of being a starter. It's a clear bet by Ancelotti to reach 100% for the final.

With Mbappé's absence, Ancelotti plans to return to a 4-4-2 diamond formation. A usual line-up last season where Bellingham was the surprise card from the attacking midfield.