Carlo Ancelotti confirms key Real Madrid team news ahead of Champions League final | Football

The Belgian goalkeeper has been out for the vast majority of the season due to an ACL injury and not played a single game in the Champions League as Los Blancos made their way to the final.

In his absence Kepa Arrizabalaga and Andriy Lunin have been wearing the gloves, with the latter doing the majority of the work, playing in both legs against Manchester City in the quarter-finals and Bayern Munich in the semis.

However, with Courtois returning to fitness and playing in four La Liga matches this month, the Ukrainian has fallen ill ahead of the Champions League final at Wembley and made Ancelotti’s decision pretty straight forward.

The Italian said on Friday afternoon: ‘Lunin has had the flu, it didn’t allow him to train or travel. He will travel tomorrow, he’s going to be on the bench and Courtois is going to play.’

‘Thank you so much for all your messages, support and encouragement!!! Here’s to the 15th.’

Real Madrid are bidding to win their 15th Champions League/European Cup on Saturday at Wembley while Ancelotti is looking for his fifth as a manager.

‘The most important thing for me in this kind of game is to put in the players’ head what they need to do on the pitch. Clearly I am less nervous than my team is. I really focus on that,’ said the legendary Italian.

‘Emotions arrive, everyone has to manage it according to their own character. Of course, we will have emotions, maybe a bit of concern, before the game, but managing those emotions is an important thing.

‘Doing things well tomorrow we are very confident because throughout the season my team has proven two very important things. The quality is fantastic for them. Another important thing is sacrifice for the team. The collective attitude of the team.

‘Being able to prove throughout the season – sacrifice plus quality – are going to be key for tomorrow’s game.’