Última: Courtois' flu sidelines him as Lunin braces for El Clasico

Última reports confirm that Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss Sunday’s El Clasico at the Camp Nou after a flu‑related illness, leaving the Belgian side without their first‑choice shot‑stopper as they travel to face Barcelona. The club’s statement cited a ‘process gripal’, and the absence adds to a growing injury list ahead of the high‑stakes derby.

Lunin's chance to start

Twenty‑seven‑year‑old Andriy Lunin is poised to take the gloves after Courtois’ withdrawal. His most recent start came in a 0‑2 victory over Espanyol in Jornada 34 of the 2025‑26 La Liga season, a match that followed a muscle tear to Courtois. Lunin also featured in the previous Clasico, a 0‑2 defeat, and will look to avoid a third consecutive loss in the rivalry.

Injury list swells for Los Merengues

Una baja más para José Mourinho, as the Portuguese manager will not have Courtois available on Sunday. Real Madrid also sit without Ferland Mendy, Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo Goes, all listed as long‑term injuries, while Vinicius Jr serves the second of four matches of suspension. Illia Voloshyn has been named in the squad, but Lunin remains the preferred deputy.

Real Madrid face the Clasico without Courtois, Lunin starts

Barcelona's missing men

Barcelona travel to the Camp Nou without Dani Olmo, Jules Koundé, Eric García, Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji, each ruled out through injury. Their absence further tilts the balance in favour of a Real side already coping with a depleted roster.

Real Madrid enter the fixture under pressure, having lost two league games this campaign and sitting six points behind Barcelona in the standings. Their form after the international break has been encouraging, yet their recent record against their arch‑rivals remains poor.

Mourinho sparks Courtois clash by praising Lunin before the Clásico

Courtois has started all nine La Liga matches this season, keeping two clean sheets. The 34‑year‑old Belgian has amassed 345 senior appearances for Los Blancos, with 131 clean sheets, and has collected 12 trophies, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns. His contract runs until the end of the current season, but the club expects him to extend his stay until 2028.

Futbol officials note that Courtois is the only player confirmed to miss the entire season, while the rest of the squad could return after the November break. Mourinho’s side will therefore rely heavily on Lunin’s experience as they seek to close the gap with Barcelona.