The anticipation surrounding the upcoming El Clasico clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona is reaching fever pitch, but the defending champions may be forced to navigate the highly anticipated match without their star goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois.
Madrid’s Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday came at a cost, as Courtois sustained an injury during the match. The club confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that the Belgian goalkeeper suffered an injury to the adductor muscle in his left leg. This unfortunate setback casts doubt on Courtois’ participation in the crucial La Liga encounter against Barcelona on Saturday.
While Madrid did not provide an estimated recovery timeline for Courtois, the news is a major blow for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Courtois has been a vital part of Real Madrid’s success, and his absence would significantly weaken their defense. The absence of Courtois, who was recently sidelined with a hip injury, would likely lead to Ukrainian stopper Andriy Lunin taking his place between the posts. Lunin filled in for Courtois earlier in the month when the Belgian missed a game due to a minor hip issue.
Adding to Madrid’s injury woes, Brazilian forward Rodrygo also sustained a muscular injury during the match against Dortmund. Ancelotti revealed this information during his post-match press conference, further emphasizing the growing injury concerns within the squad.
As Real Madrid prepares for the monumental El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu, the club will be hoping for a swift recovery for both Courtois and Rodrygo. A win against Barcelona is crucial for Madrid’s title aspirations, and any loss would put a dent in their hopes of retaining the La Liga crown. The absence of key players like Courtois and Rodrygo could significantly impact their performance in this high-stakes encounter.
