Rival watch: Real Madrid superstar could make last-minute El Clasico return despite being ruled out

· BarcaUniversal

The first league Clasico of the season is set to kick off in a few hours, and there are still some doubts about the availability of Thibaut Courtois. Barcelona could still face the Real Madrid goalkeeper in tonight’s clash despite the club officially ruling him out of the game. According to MARCA, the Belgian is […] The post Rival watch: Real Madrid superstar could make last-minute El Clasico return despite being ruled out appeared first on Barca Universal .

The first league Clasico of the season is set to kick off in a few hours, and there are still some doubts about the availability of Thibaut Courtois.

Barcelona could still face the Real Madrid goalkeeper in tonight’s clash despite the club officially ruling him out of the game.

According to MARCA , the Belgian is determined to give himself every possible chance of recovering in time for the clash at the Spotify Camp Nou .

Courtois refuses to give up on El Clasico

Real Madrid announced on Sunday morning that Courtois had been withdrawn from the squad after suffering from flu, with young goalkeeper Illia Voloshyn called up in his place.

However, the situation has since become less straightforward, with the goalkeeper unwilling to accept that his participation is impossible.

> “We’ll see how he progresses over the coming hours and whether he starts feeling better. If so, he’ll fly to Barcelona,” sources at Madrid’s training complex explained.

This adds to what has been a confusing morning at Real Madrid, raising questions about why Courtois was even ruled out in the first place.

Madrid have left open the possibility of a late journey to Barcelona if his health improves sufficiently.

If he is unavailable for the game, Andriy Lunin is expected to take his place between the sticks against Barça .

Barcelona must prepare for both possibilities

For Hansi Flick and Barça , this creates unnecessary uncertainty so close to a major fixture.

Courtois is capable of changing matches through individual saves, and his potential absence would undoubtedly be welcome news for Barcelona’s attackers.

However, even if he travels, there is no guarantee that the Belgian will be fit enough to start. Barcelona will now have to prepare without knowing who the goalkeeper will be.

Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Anthony Gordon must focus on creating clear chances and making the most of their opportunities, regardless of who starts.

There is also little reason for Flick to alter his attacking approach, irrespective of who is in the opposition goal.

With Barcelona aiming to go nine points clear of Real Madrid, they need to put their best foot forward in the game.

It remains to be seen whether Courtois recovers in time to make it to the starting XI or whether Lunin assumes his place between the sticks against Barça .

Read the original

People in this story

Related