Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss the El Clásico clash with Barcelona due to flu, the club announced on Sunday. The 34-year-old shot-stopper is a key figure for Madrid, leaving Andriy Lunin to start at Camp Nou with Madrid trailing Barça by six points. The club stated Courtois is a last-minute withdrawal from the La Liga matchday 10 game, with Illia Voloshyn called up as replacement.
While Madrid initially ruled out a late return, a source told ESPN Courtois could still join the squad later if his condition improves significantly. Madrid enter the high-stakes fixture under pressure, having already lost twice in La Liga this season at Real Betis and Atletico Madrid, while Barcelona remain unbeaten. However, Madrid's form has improved recently, highlighted by Courtois's starring role in their 4-1 Champions League win over RB Leipzig.
Real Madrid will also be without Vinícius Júnior, who serves a four-game domestic ban.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing