Flu-Stricken Lunin Left Out of Real Madrid Squad

José Mourinho’s first Champions League squad of the 2026–27 season has dropped a notable name. Andriy Lunin, Real Madrid’s Ukrainian goalkeeper, will not travel for the group-stage opener against Inter Milan.

The reason is simple, and unfortunate. Lunin is on the club’s injured list after coming down with the flu. He skipped first-team training the day before the squad was announced and has now been left out of the matchday group. There is no clear timeline yet for his return.

Mourinho will still take three goalkeepers to the San Siro. Thibaut Courtois retains his place as the undisputed No. 1, with Spaniards Sergio Mestre and Javi Navarro named as his backups. Neither deputy has played a single minute this season.

For Lunin, it is another stop-start moment in a stuttering Real Madrid career. Last season he featured in 12 matches, conceding 21 goals and recording just one clean sheet. Now illness has halted his attempt to push Courtois again.

The club’s press service confirmed his absence and current status on the injured list, leaving Madrid to open their European campaign without their Ukrainian international in reserve.