Real Madrid star definitively ruled out of El Clasico vs Barcelona after failing to recover in time

Real Madrid star definitively ruled out of El Clasico vs Barcelona after failing to recover in time Real Madrid suffered a massive blow earlier in the day when the club had to confirm that Thibaut Courtois won’t be travelling with the squad to Barcelona due to a viral infection. It was confirmed that the player won’t be taking part in El Clasico, but Courtois was ready to do everything he can in order to get back to full fitness so he can make a late flight. As such, Courtois’ presence wasn’t fully ruled out, despite Real Madrid’s confirmation. Courtois saga is over Courtois will not be playing tonight. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images) However, a recent report from Mundo Deportivo has confirmed that the Courtois saga is officially over and the player has been definitively ruled out of the Clasico. The report suggests it is now impossible for him to travel, with the viral infection simply proving too much to overcome in time. The Belgian will not fly to Barcelona and misses the trip to the Camp Nou altogether. It brings an end to a chaotic morning at Valdebebas, during which several conflicting versions emerged over his potential participation. Real Madrid had announced his absence due to the flu, with sources painting a graphic picture of his condition. “He’s got a bad case of the flu,” they said, before adding that the goalkeeper was “completely wiped out.” Lunin steps up for the big one All eyes will be on Lunin against Barcelona. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images) For all the uncertainty, Courtois himself refused to give up, determined to exhaust every possibility before accepting defeat. The club had kept the door ajar earlier in the day, with MARCA citing sources, who claimed, “We’ll see how things progress in the coming hours and if he feels better. If so, he’ll fly to Barcelona.” Ultimately, though, no late improvement arrived, and the Belgian has been forced to sit the fixture out. In his absence, Andriy Lunin is set to deputise between the posts on the grandest stage of all. Real Madrid remain confident in their backup. The Ukrainian international, though, hasn’t had a great time against Barcelona lately , even as his overall record is not so bad.