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Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been definitively ruled out of this evening’s El Clásico clash at Camp Nou due to a severe case of the flu. Despite hopes for a late recovery, the club confirmed that Courtois will not travel with the squad and will miss the match entirely.
The situation unfolded rapidly after Courtois began experiencing flu symptoms yesterday afternoon. Initially, there was cautious optimism as he appeared to train normally earlier in the day, but his condition worsened as night fell, signaling that he would likely be unavailable for the game. This morning, just before 11 a.m., the club made the initial decision to keep him out, citing his inability to play while feeling so unwell.
However, there was a brief period of uncertainty following this announcement. The club and the player held out hope for a possible turnaround, but after several hours of evaluation and anticipation, it became clear that fielding Courtois was not an option. The final confirmation came after a tense wait, ending any speculation about his participation.
Backup Goalkeeper Steps Up
In Courtois’s absence, Andriy Lunin will start in goal for Madrid. This match marks Lunin’s fifth El Clásico appearance but his first playing minutes of the current season. Serving as his deputy will be Mestre, with Voloshyn, typically a member of Real Madrid C, acting as the third goalkeeper on the bench.
The responsibility of guarding Madrid’s net at Camp Nou tonight falls squarely on Lunin’s shoulders. Meanwhile, Courtois will remain in Madrid to recover from his illness, underscoring the seriousness of his condition as described by the club.
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