Real Madrid GK Andriy Lunin Withdraws From Ukraine Squad Due to Back Injury

Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has been forced to withdraw from Ukraine’s national team squad for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to a lower back injury sustained during warm-up preparations at the Santiago Bernabéu. The 26-year-old shot-stopper’s absence represents a significant blow to Ukraine’s campaign as they prepare to face France and Azerbaijan in what are pivotal qualifying fixtures for the European nation.

The injury occurred during the pre-match warm-up before Real Madrid’s recent 2-1 victory over Mallorca, marking yet another setback in what has been a challenging period for goalkeepers at the Spanish giants. Despite initially traveling to join the Ukraine camp, Lunin was ultimately released by the national team’s medical staff after assessment deemed him not fully recovered from the back problem.

The Injury Timeline and Medical Assessment

Lunin’s lower back issue first manifested during Real Madrid’s preparation for their La Liga encounter with Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabéu last weekend. Despite experiencing discomfort during the warm-up routine, the Ukrainian international initially continued with his club duties, though the problem persisted throughout the following days.

Upon joining Ukraine’s national team camp for their World Cup qualifying fixtures, Lunin underwent thorough medical evaluation by the national team’s medical staff. The assessment revealed that the goalkeeper had not sufficiently recovered from the lower back complaint, prompting the coaching staff led by Serhiy Rebrov to make the precautionary decision to release him back to Real Madrid for proper rehabilitation.

Ukraine’s Squad Reshuffling

Ukraine manager Serhiy Rebrov has been forced to call up 31-year-old Heorhii Bushchan from Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab as Lunin’s replacement. This emergency call-up ensures Ukraine maintains three goalkeepers in their squad for the critical World Cup qualifying matches, with Bushchan joining Benfica’s Anatolii Trubin and Shakhtar Donetsk’s Dmytro Riznyk.

The timing of Lunin’s withdrawal is particularly unfortunate given Ukraine’s challenging World Cup qualifying campaign. The national team faces a daunting task, beginning with their September 5 encounter against world champions France in Wrocław, Poland, followed by a home fixture against Azerbaijan on September 9. These matches represent crucial opportunities for Ukraine to establish themselves in their qualifying group.

Impact on Ukraine’s World Cup Hopes

Lunin’s absence removes one of Ukraine’s most reliable performers between the posts. The Real Madrid goalkeeper has been a consistent presence for his national team since making his debut in 2018, becoming the youngest debutant at that time at just 19 years and 40 days old. His international experience and high-level club football exposure make him an invaluable asset for Ukraine’s World Cup ambitions.

The goalkeeper’s achievements with Ukraine include being part of the squad that reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 and his outstanding performance in leading Ukraine U20 to their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup victory in 2019, where he earned the Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

Real Madrid’s Goalkeeper Situation

Lunin’s injury adds another chapter to Real Madrid’s ongoing goalkeeper challenges in recent seasons. The club has experienced significant disruption in their goalkeeping department, with first-choice Thibaut Courtois missing almost the entire 2023-24 season due to an ACL tear and suffering additional setbacks during the 2024-25 campaign.

During Courtois’s extended absence, Lunin has proven himself as a dependable deputy, stepping up admirably when called upon. His performances have been sufficiently impressive to attract transfer speculation from various clubs, though he ultimately decided to remain at the Santiago Bernabéu, signing a new five-year contract extension in September 2024 that keeps him at the club until 2030.

Current Season Status

Despite his reliable performances as backup, Lunin has yet to feature for Real Madrid in the current 2025-26 season, with Courtois firmly established as the number one choice. This lack of regular playing time makes his international appearances even more valuable for maintaining match sharpness and rhythm.

The Ukrainian international’s absence from regular first-team action at club level has led to speculation about potential moves, with Turkish giants among the clubs reportedly showing interest. However, both player and club have remained committed to their long-term partnership.

Recovery Timeline and Real Madrid’s Plans

According to reports from Spanish media outlet AS, the positive news for both Real Madrid and Lunin is that the injury is considered minor and manageable. Medical assessments suggest that the goalkeeper should be fully fit and available for selection when Real Madrid returns to action after the international break.

Real Madrid’s next fixture sees them travel to face Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián, a venue that holds particular significance for current manager Xabi Alonso, who has strong connections to the Basque region. The match represents an important early-season test for Los Blancos as they look to maintain their perfect start to the La Liga campaign.

The Broader Context of Real Madrid’s International Break

Lunin’s return to Valdebebas means he joins a larger group of Real Madrid players who are not participating in international duty during this September break. The training ground, typically quieter during international windows, has been unusually busy with several key players remaining in Madrid for various reasons.

Notable absentees from international football include England regulars Jude Bellingham (injured) and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Brazilian stars Vinícius Júnior and Éder Militão, and French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who is recovering from his own injury concerns. This situation has provided manager Xabi Alonso with additional training opportunities and the chance to work closely with players who might otherwise be scattered across different continents.

Lunin’s Real Madrid Journey

Since joining Real Madrid in 2018 from Dnipro, Lunin has experienced a journey of patience, development, and gradual integration into one of world football’s most demanding environments. His path to the first team has been methodical, including loan spells at Leganés, Real Valladolid, and Real Oviedo to gain crucial experience in Spanish football.

The Ukrainian’s breakthrough moments have often come during crisis periods for Real Madrid’s goalkeeping department. His Champions League debut against Shakhtar Donetsk in 2022 marked a significant milestone, and he later became the first Ukrainian player to feature in El Clásico against Barcelona, contributing to a memorable 3-1 victory.

Key Career Highlights

Lunin’s most memorable performances in a Real Madrid shirt include his nine-save display against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, equaling Thibaut Courtois’ record from the 2022 final. His penalty save against Braga after being called into action when Kepa suffered a warm-up injury demonstrated his mental strength and readiness when opportunity presented itself.

The goalkeeper’s international achievements remain equally impressive, with his Golden Glove performance at the 2019 U-20 World Cup establishing him as one of Europe’s most promising young goalkeepers. His integration into Ukraine’s senior setup has been seamless, providing reliable competition for the number one position.

Looking Ahead: Recovery and Return

As Lunin focuses on his recovery at Real Madrid’s training facilities, both club and country will be monitoring his progress closely. The minor nature of the back injury suggests that this withdrawal is purely precautionary, designed to prevent any risk of aggravation that could lead to a more extended absence.

For Ukraine, the immediate focus shifts to maximizing their World Cup qualifying opportunities with their available goalkeeper options. The experience of Bushchan, Trubin, and Riznyk provides adequate cover, though Lunin’s absence removes a player accustomed to the highest levels of European competition.

Real Madrid’s medical team will work closely with Lunin to ensure his full recovery before the team’s return to competitive action. The additional rest period provided by the international break should prove beneficial, allowing for comprehensive treatment and gradual return to full training intensity.

The situation exemplifies the delicate balance modern footballers must maintain between club and international commitments, particularly when dealing with minor injuries that could potentially become major problems if not properly managed. Lunin’s case demonstrates the importance of prioritizing long-term fitness over short-term international appearances, even when representing one’s country in crucial World Cup qualifiers.

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