Real Madrid to be without Courtois against Barcelona in El Clásico

Real Madrid’s shotstopper Thibaut Courtois has been ruled out of his side’s El Clásico match against Barcelona after contracting a flu-like illness, the club said on their website on Sunday

Dubbed a ” last-minute absence,” the club said the Belgian will be replaced by 19-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper Illia Voloshyn. “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 statement noted.

Courtois, 34, a key player for Madrid, will be absent, but his absence will hopefully be filled in the intense La Liga encounter between the two giant clubs. Barcelona lead the domestic table with six points clear of Madrid, who sit in third place.

The Catalan club has won all nine games this season in the league, amassing 27 points. They hope to make today’s match their tenth consecutive league win; a record set by Madrid in 1968-69. Madrid, however, have lost two of their league games, losing to Real Betis and Atletico Madrid.

The visitors will also be without their Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior, as he continues his four-game domestic ban.