Real Madrid finds itself without its starting goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, for the Clasico which will be played this Sunday evening at the Camp Nou. The Belgian goalkeeper announced his unavailability at the last minute, victim of flu syndrome, and will therefore not be able to defend the goals of Casa Blanca against FC Barcelona during the tenth day of La Liga.
This news arrived on the same day of the match, which forced Portuguese coach José Mourinho to urgently reorganize his squad. The Madrid club confirmed Courtois' withdrawal in an official statement, specifying that Ukrainian goalkeeper Illia Voloshyn would now be included in the squad called up. Courtois, who had already suffered a serious blow in 2023, is not suffering from an injury but from a flu which prevents him from participating in one of the most anticipated matches in Spanish football.
Faced with this absence, Andriy Lunin, the Ukrainian goalkeeper, must take the net for the match. Lunin, who already knows the demands of high-level meetings, will therefore be promoted to replace Courtois in front of the great rival Barcelona. This decision comes in a context where Real Madrid must quickly adapt to the absence of its major executive, whose presence and experience in the penalty area were considered essential for the team's defense.
Courtois' package represents a real setback for Real Madrid. In addition to losing a key player, the team will have to manage the impact of a last-minute absence on its defensive balance. Mourinho will therefore have to rely on Lunin to ensure stability in front of goals, while seeking to maintain the cohesion of the lineup. Spectators and analysts will now look to Lunin to see if he can hold the helm and compensate for the absence of Courtois.
As the match approaches, Real Madrid is preparing to face FC Barcelona without one of its pillars. Courtois' influence on Casa Blanca's defensive play was undeniable, and his absence could influence the team's dynamics. The club will hope that Lunin can take over without compromising the overall performance, while Mourinho will have to adjust his strategy to try and secure a favorable result at the Camp Nou.