Real Madrid suffer Courtois blow ahead of El Clasico against Barcelona

Real Madrid have been dealt a late setback ahead of Sunday's El Clasico against Barcelona, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois ruled out of the highly anticipated La Liga encounter due to flu symptoms.

The Spanish giants confirmed Courtois' absence in a statement published on their official website on Sunday, October 25, 2026, ahead of the Matchday 10 fixture.

"Thibaut Courtois has been confirmed as a last-minute absentee from the Real Madrid versus Barcelona match, scheduled for this Sunday evening as part of the tenth round of the Spanish league, due to suffering from flu symptoms."

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Real Madrid also announced that Ukrainian goalkeeper Ilya Voloshyn had been called up to the squad to replace the Belgian international.

"Goalkeeper Ilya Voloshyn has joined Real Madrid's squad for the Clasico match in place of Courtois."

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Courtois' absence is a significant blow for Madrid, given his importance to the team in one of the biggest fixtures on the Spanish football calendar.

The Belgian shot-stopper has made 12 appearances across all competitions this season, conceding 14 goals and recording two clean sheets.

With Courtois unavailable, Ukraine international Andriy Lunin is expected to start in goal against Barcelona.

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The encounter carries major implications for the La Liga title race, with Barcelona heading into the match at the top of the standings on 27 points.

Real Madrid sit third with 21 points and will be looking to close the gap on their rivals with a victory at the Clasico.

Courtois' late withdrawal adds another layer of uncertainty to a fixture that could have a significant impact on the early-season title race.