Andriy Lunin joins his Real Madrid teammates at the last minute for the Champions League final but Thibaut Courtois returns from injury to start

Andriy Lunin reunited with his Real Madrid teammates for the Champions League final, but he still won’t start.

Madrid face Borussia Dortmund in the competition showcase at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening, live on talkSPORT.

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Lunin played in goal in all of his knockout matches leading up to the final, but came down with the flu during the week and was unable to train or travel to London with his teammates.

He also appeared to exclude himself from the shock in an Instagram post when he said: “I’m really sorry that I won’t be able to prepare for the most important game of the season and the most important game of my life with the team.. .

“Thank you very much for all your messages, your support and your encouragement!!! See you on the 15th.”

Carlo Ancelotti confirmed during his press conference that Lunin would travel on Saturday and that Thibaut Courtois would start in the final.

This is despite Courtois being left out of Belgium’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 final later this month.

Just hours before kick-off, Madrid announced that the Ukrainian goalkeeper had arrived and been included in the matchday squad, but Courtois still starts.

Real Madrid starting lineup: Courtois, Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy, Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr

Substitutes: Lunin, Kepa, Eder Militao, Alaba, Modric, Joselu, Vazquez, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Fran Garcia, Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler

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They announced their lineup more than two and a half hours before kickoff and fans reacting to X said: “I’m surprised they didn’t continue with Lunin.”

“I feel bad for Lunin,” added a sympathetic second.

A third said: “Lunin gave everything to get Real Madrid to the final but then he was benched in the last game. Very tough decision from Real Madrid.”

“Nice composition, Don Carlo. I don’t think it’s fair to Lunin,” added a fourth.

Lunin was Madrid’s first choice in goal for much of the season due to Courtois’ recovery from an ACL injury.

They signed Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea amid the blow, but Lunin has been their go-to man.

The 25-year-old saved two penalties in their quarter-final shootout victory over Manchester City and proved crucial in their narrow semi-final win over Bayern Munich.

But Lunin will watch from the bench against Dortmund as Courtois, who produced a heroic performance in Madrid’s 2022 final victory over Liverpool, will get the nod.

Madrid is aiming for a record 15th title in the competition against its German opponent, who has not won it for 27 years.