Real Madrid set to welcome veteran superstar back after Clasico absence as he approaches major landmark

Real Madrid set to welcome veteran superstar back after Clasico absence as he approaches major landmark According to MARCA , veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is all set to return to the starting lineup when Real Madrid take on Racing Santander this Sunday in La Liga. In the process, the Belgian shot-stopper is set to achieve a major landmark in his Real Madrid career and become the goalkeeper with the joint third-highest appearances for the club. Courtois returns to action Real Madrid went into last weekend’ El Clasico against Barcelona without Courtois, as he was withdrawn from the squad on the day of the game due to illness. Andriy Lunin stepped into the team in place of the seasoned veteran and did a brilliant job, even as Los Blancos secured a 2-1 win over their arch-rivals. Courtois missed El Clasico due to illness. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images) But, Courtois has recovered fully from the flu and has resumed training normally with the group today. As such, he is expected to be fit and available for the trip to El Sardinero , where he will reclaim his starting berth from Courtois. Courtois joins the club legends If he starts as expected against Racing Santander, Courtois will be making his 346th appearance for Real Madrid. In doing so, he will go level with former player and club legend Miguel Angel to become the goalkeeper with the third-most number of games played for Los Merengues . Only two goalkeepers have played more matches for the Spanish capital club: Francisco ‘Paco’ Buyo, who finished with 454, and Iker Casillas, whose remarkable tally stands at 725. Standing among the legends. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Since joining Real Madrid from Chelsea in the summer of 2018, Courtois has grown into one of the best goalkeepers in the game. During his spell at the club, the veteran has won four La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies along with many other honours. At 34, Courtois is entering the final phase of his career and has had to battle with injuries over the past couple of seasons. Nevertheless, he continues to be the undisputed starter between the sticks for Real Madrid when fit and available. In fact, Los Blancos have reached an agreement over a new one-year contract with their No. 1, tying him down to the club until 2028.