While it hasn't kept them from challenging for multiple trophies yet, Real Madrid have struggled with injury issues all season long.
They've had long absences in multiple positions, especially in defence with the likes of Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba all sidelined for significant spells.
Now, their goalkeeping position has been struck a double blow, and a young, untested academy product has been forced into action with silverware at stake.
The Sporting News details all you need to know about the young replacement who may make his first-team debut for Europe's most successful club, and when the regular starters could return to action.
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Who is Fran Gonzalez? Real Madrid teen could get first start in goal
Real Madrid academy product Fran Gonzalez made his senior debut against Valencia in La Liga on Saturday. The 19-year-old could also be needed in midweek against Arsenal in the Champions League.
Gonzalez joined the European giants in 2022 after being plucked from third-tier side Cultural Leonesa. He has been a regular within the first-team squad since 2023. Injuries to Thibaut Courtois injured at various points this season mean Gonzalez has spent several games on the bench as Andriy Lunin's backup, but he is yet to see the field.
During weeks he's not needed on the first-team bench, Gonzalez has been deployed with the Real Madrid Castilla side where he's conceded 19 goals and saved three penalties in 16 appearances.
"Gonza," as he's affectionately known, has spent time with the Spain Under-19s team, playing regularly through their European Championship qualifying slate across early 2024. He was called up to the Under-21s side last November but was only an unused substitute for a pair of friendlies against England and Denmark, sitting behind Aitor Fraga of Real Sociedad and Alejandro Iturbe of Atletico Madrid.
Injury news, updates for Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin
Cutting short the fanfare of his long-awaited return to the Belgium national team, Real Madrid's first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois picked up a muscle injury during warmups of their second game against Ukraine.
It was thought Courtois' removal from the lineup was precautionary, but he has missed two Madrid games since club action returned and could reportedly miss more time.
Meanwhile, Andriy Lunin suffered a calf injury early in the second half against Real Sociedad midweek, gritting through the final 40 minutes while less than fully fit. He was fit enough for a place on the bench against Valencia as Gonzalez made his bow.