Real Madrid rule Thibaut Courtois out of El Clasico with flu-like illness

Real Madrid confirm last-minute goalkeeper change

Real Madrid have confirmed that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss El Clasico after dropping out of the squad at the last minute.

The stopper had been expected to start the match against Barcelona at Camp Nou but has now been ruled out due to illness ahead of the tenth matchday of La Liga.

“Courtois is a last-minute absence due to a flu-like illness for tonight’s match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, corresponding to the tenth matchday of La Liga. Illia Voloshyn has been called up in his place,” the club said in a statement.

Lunin set to deputise

Back-up stopper Andriy Lunin is now expected to take Courtois’ place between the sticks for Real Madrid against Barcelona.

The news will be a blow for Jose Mourinho and his side as they head to Catalunya for Sunday’s big match between the two sides.

Title race context

Real Madrid head into the fixture already six points behind Barcelona in the title race and now four behind Atletico in second after Diego Simeone’s side beat Deportivo on Saturday night.