Madrid's Belgian goalie misses out on Clasico

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has not managed to get fit for Sunday's Clasico against FC Barcelona, on the ninth matchday in La Liga, his coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed at the press briefing on Saturday.

The Belgian goalkeeper has been struggling with sciatica, which is nerve pain in the lower back, since the last Nations League games at the end of September and has therefore already missed the two Champions League games against Shakhtar, and matches in La Liga against Osasuna and Getafe. His place between the posts was taken each time by Ukrainian Andriy Lunin.

"We will see what is possible the next game. Now the main thing is that he can train."

Courtois did not train with the group on Saturday, either. "His recovery is going well, but it is true that he has not trained much and so he will not be there on Sunday", Don Carlo said. "We will see what is possible the next game. Now the main thing is that he can train."

Real Madrid and Barça face each other for the 250th time Sunday afternoon, in a game of the ninth matchday in La Liga. This time, moreover, the leaders' place is at stake. Both teams have 22 points after eight match days. Based on a better goal balance, FC Barcelona currently holds the lead.

(BRV)

© PHOTO Maarten Straetemans / Isosport