Confirmation of Courtois' absence from the clásico

Thibaut Courtois will miss the clash between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, scheduled for this evening at Camp Nou, as part of the tenth round of La Liga, due to his influenza.

Real Madrid have announced, earlier today, the exclusion of Thibaut Courtois from the squad for the clásico, due to his struggle with illness, meaning the club loses one of its key players ahead of the anticipated clash against their traditional rivals.

Despite Thibaut Courtois's initial hope of participating in the match, journalist Mario Cortiagana confirmed that the Belgian goalkeeper has decided to remain in Madrid and not travel to Barcelona, after the club preferred not to take the risk of involving him given his health condition.

Andriy Lunin is expected to start in goal for Real Madrid against FC Barcelona, filling in for Thibaut Courtois in one of the season's most important matches.