Courtois hopeful of El Clasico return despite flu setback

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remains hopeful of featuring in Sunday’s highly anticipated clash against Barcelona in La Liga, despite suffering from the flu. This development could allow him to travel with the squad before a final decision is made on his participation.

According to The Athletic, Courtois is optimistic about recovering in time to be included in Real Madrid’s matchday squad, after the club had earlier ruled him out of El Clasico due to illness.

Real Madrid are preparing for the possible absence of their first-choice keeper, with Ukrainian Andriy Lunin seen as the primary backup. Third-choice goalkeeper Elia Voloshin has also joined the traveling squad, along with Sergio Mestre.

Courtois, 34, is a mainstay in the Real Madrid lineup, having started every match this season and keeping 98 clean sheets in La Liga since joining from Chelsea in 2018.

During his time with Los Blancos, the Belgian has won 12 trophies, including three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns. Although his contract is nearing its end, expectations are that it will be extended for another year until 2028.

Sunday’s El Clasico is crucial for Real Madrid, who trail league leaders Barcelona by six points. The team’s recent form has improved, with wins over Sevilla and RB Leipzig.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid will be without Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior, who is serving a four-match domestic suspension, making Courtois’s availability even more significant for the upcoming match.