Big boost for Barcelona as Real Madrid star fails to recover in time for Clasico

Big boost for Barcelona as Real Madrid star fails to recover in time for Clasico Barcelona have received a significant boost, with a final decision now made on Thibaut Courtois’ participation in the game. Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois has been definitively ruled out of the encounter at the Spotify Camp Nou after failing to recover from illness. According to Miguel Angel Diaz of Cadena COPE , the Belgian will not travel to Barcelona, ending speculation that he could make a last-minute recovery. Andriy Lunin is now set to replace him in goal. Courtois fails in late attempt to recover Real Madrid initially announced on Sunday morning that Courtois had been withdrawn from their squad because of the flu. Young goalkeeper Illia Voloshyn was subsequently called up, although reports later suggested that the Belgian was determined to give himself every chance of playing. There was even a possibility that Courtois could travel separately to Barcelona if his condition improved sufficiently. However, that scenario has now been ruled out. Courtois will not be available to play for Real Madrid against Barcelona. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) The goalkeeper has not recovered in time, leaving Jose Mourinho without one of his most important players. Lunin will therefore take his place between the posts for a fixture carrying considerable significance in the La Liga title race. Madrid are also without Vinicius Junior through suspension, leaving them without two starters for the Barça game. Barcelona must capitalise on Madrid’s setback For Hansi Flick’s side, Courtois’ absence represents an opportunity, particularly given the Belgian’s reputation for coming up with clutch performances in big games. His reflexes, positioning and ability to withstand sustained attacking pressure have repeatedly made him a difficult opponent. Barcelona’s forwards will now face Lunin, who is an experienced goalkeeper but does not offer quite the same commanding presence as Courtois. Lunin will start for Real Madrid in the absence of Courtois. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Anthony Gordon should look to test him early, forcing Madrid’s defence into uncomfortable situations. The Brazilian will also look to test Lunin’s footwork by pressing him intensely and trying to force an error. Nevertheless, Barcelona cannot afford to underestimate the Ukrainian, who has shown in the past that he can hold his own. With a six-point advantage over Madrid, victory would further strengthen Barcelona’s position at the top of La Liga . It remains to be seen how Lunin fares and whether Barça can put a few goals past the Madrid defence in the absence of Courtois.