Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been ruled out of Sunday’s El Clásico against Barcelona after coming down with a flu-like illness, the Spanish club announced.
The 34-year-old Belgian was declared a late withdrawal ahead of the highly anticipated La Liga encounter, with 19-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper Illia Voloshyn called up to replace him.
In a statement published on its website, Real Madrid confirmed the development, describing Courtois as a last-minute absentee.
“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’ absence is a setback for Madrid ahead of the meeting between the two Spanish giants, with Barcelona enjoying an impressive start to their league campaign.
The Catalan side sit at the top of the La Liga table with 27 points from nine matches, six points ahead of Madrid, who occupy third place.
Barcelona have won all their league games this season and will be aiming to secure a tenth consecutive victory.
Madrid, meanwhile, have suffered two league defeats, losing to Real Betis and city rivals Atletico Madrid.
The hosts will also be without Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior, who is serving a four-match domestic suspension, further affecting their options for the high-profile fixture.
