Real Madrid will be without first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for their crucial Champions League clash against Olympiacos due to a stomach ailment, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
The Belgian keeper has been sidelined after being diagnosed with viral gastroenteritis, ruling him out of Wednesday’s match in Athens.
The news comes as a blow for Los Blancos, who are already struggling for consistency this season.
Courtois has been a key figure between the posts for the Spanish giants, and his absence is likely to put added pressure on the defense as they look to secure three points in the league phase of Europe’s premier competition.
In Courtois’ place, Andriy Lunin is expected to step in for the record 15-time European champions.
The 24-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper has made occasional appearances for Madrid but will now face the challenge of keeping a clean sheet against a strong Olympiacos side, eager to make an impact at home.
Madrid have been underperforming in recent weeks, failing to win any of their last three matches across all competitions.
Their struggles include a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in their previous Champions League outing, which has left questions about their form and defensive stability heading into this match.
Despite recent setbacks, Los Blancos will aim to bounce back and regain momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
A strong showing against Olympiacos could be crucial in boosting confidence and securing vital points as they look to progress beyond the group stage.
