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Real Madrid have suffered a late setback ahead of their highly anticipated El Clásico against Barcelona, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois initially ruled out of Sunday’s La Liga encounter after coming down with the flu.
The Spanish giants confirmed the Belgian’s withdrawal just hours before the match, naming Ukrainian goalkeeper Illia Voloshyn as his replacement in the squad for the matchday 10 fixture.
The development presents a selection headache for Real Madrid manager José Mourinho ahead of one of the most significant matches of the Spanish football season, with the club needing to adjust its plans for a contest that could have important implications for the title race.
Real Madrid confirm late withdrawal
In an official announcement, Real Madrid said Courtois would miss the encounter because of a flu-like illness, prompting the club to call up Voloshyn at short notice.
The announcement did not provide further details about the severity of the illness or indicate when the Belgian international would be available again.
Courtois’ late withdrawal came at a particularly difficult time for Madrid, who were preparing to face their fiercest domestic rivals away from home.
However, subsequent reports indicated that the goalkeeper’s condition had improved and that he remained hopeful of joining the team. His final availability therefore required confirmation closer to kick-off.
Lunin expected to take over in goal
Should Courtois remain unavailable, Andriy Lunin is expected to take his place between the posts at Barcelona’s home ground.
The Ukrainian goalkeeper has served as Courtois’ understudy at Real Madrid and could be handed the responsibility of protecting the team’s goal in a fixture where even a minor defensive error could prove costly.
Lunin’s potential involvement would represent a significant test, particularly given the intensity and pressure associated with El Clásico.
The goalkeeper has previously featured against Barcelona, although he has had limited opportunities this season. His readiness to step into the starting role would therefore become an important consideration for Mourinho as Madrid seek a positive result.
Voloshyn’s inclusion also provides additional cover. The young Ukrainian goalkeeper was called up from Real Madrid’s lower-level setup following Courtois’ withdrawal, giving the coaching staff another option in the squad.
Courtois’ importance to Madrid
Courtois has established himself as one of Real Madrid’s most important players, regularly producing crucial saves and providing stability at the back.
His ability to deal with crosses, command his penalty area and make decisive interventions in one-on-one situations has made him a key figure in the club’s defensive structure.
The Belgian’s experience is particularly valuable in high-pressure matches against elite opposition, where goalkeepers can have a decisive influence on the outcome.
His absence would consequently represent more than a routine change in personnel, requiring Madrid’s defenders to adjust to a different goalkeeper and maintain their concentration against Barcelona’s attacking threat.
Courtois had started every match for Madrid this season before the reported illness threatened to interrupt that run, according to reports published ahead of the fixture.
Barcelona clash carries title implications
Sunday’s meeting represents a major opportunity for both clubs in the race for the La Liga title.
Barcelona entered the fixture at the top of the standings with 27 points from nine matches, having won all their league games so far. Real Madrid were six points behind their rivals and needed a strong performance to reduce the gap.
A victory for Barcelona would strengthen their position at the summit, while a Madrid win would narrow the difference and provide a significant boost to their campaign.
The encounter at Spotify Camp Nou is also one of the most closely watched fixtures in world football, with both clubs carrying the expectations of their supporters into the contest.
For Madrid, Courtois’ late illness added another layer of uncertainty to an already high-stakes match. The team would need to remain defensively organised and make the most of its opportunities, regardless of who ultimately starts in goal.
With the match approaching, attention remained on Courtois’ condition and Mourinho’s final selection decisions as Real Madrid prepared for another chapter in their historic rivalry with Barcelona.
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