Courtois to miss El Clásico against Barcelona due to sudden illness

Real Madrid have suffered a blow ahead of their clash with FC Barcelona in the El Clásico, scheduled for this evening, as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been ruled out due to influenza.

Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" reported that the absence of Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois at the last moment prompted Real Madrid to summon young goalkeeper Ilya Voloshin, who has joined the team's squad in preparation for the match.

The match carries great significance for FC Barcelona, who can widen the gap with Real Madrid to 9 points and distance themselves from Atlético Madrid, who are now just two points behind the Catalan team after their victory yesterday.

FC Barcelona aims to continue competing for the best start in the history of La Liga by reaching 10 consecutive victories.

The newspaper pointed out that winning at Spotify Camp Nou would represent a strong boost for FC Barcelona, given the institutional tensions between the two clubs and the severing of relations between them, stemming from disputes related to officiating.

FC Barcelona aim to exploit the Clasico to strengthen their lead and deliver a sporting and psychological blow to their traditional rival Real Madrid.