Goaltending has never been an issue for Real Madrid. Since 1999, the team has depended on Saint Iker Casillas to carry the load in net for the team. However, Casillas' position with the team has never been more insecure than it is now.
The keeper started training again after two months nursing a hand injury. According to Marca, the keeper attended the training session alongside surgeon Miguel del Cerro. His return is imminent, but he may not be the automatic choice in goal for Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho.
While Casillas was out, Mourinho brought in Diego Lopez to be his replacement and the 31-year old netminder has responded brilliantly. Lopez has made a number of clutch stops to help Madrid to a Champions League quarterfinals berth. Of particular note was a spectacular performance in the second half of the match against Manchester United at the Santiago Bernabéu. He was also strong in Madrid's two victories over rival Barcelona; a feat that Casillas was unable to accomplish in the last few meetings with Blaugrana.
Another major reason that Casillas return may not mean his automatic insertion in the starting lineup is due to Jose Mourinho's lack of confidence in Casillas prior to the injury. Back in late December, Mourinho dropped Casillas from the starting lineup in a late December tilt with Malaga. The decision was met with great criticism but Mourinho stuck to his guns and left Casillas out of a subsequent match. He eventually reinserted his keeper, but the injury came weeks later. Mourinho's time with Madrid is coming to a close by most accounts and his main goal is to win the Champions League and Copa Del Rey. With his team in its best form of the season, it is unlikely that he make any major changes to the well-oiled machine. Even if it costs the franchise's long time cornerstone a spot in the starting lineup.
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