Real Madrid have been handed a significant boost ahead of Sunday's monumental El Clasico clash with Barcelona, as Thibaut Courtois battles to overcome a sudden bout of illness. The Belgian goalkeeper had initially been expected to miss the trip to Catalonia, but he remains optimistic about featuring in the biggest game of the Spanish season.
Real Madrid have suffered a major setback ahead of their crucial Clasico showdown against Barcelona after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was ruled out through illness. His late withdrawal forces the club to rely on deputy Andriy Lunin for the vital Liga fixture at Camp Nou.
The tension ahead of the latest edition of El Clasico has reached boiling point after Thibaut Courtois launched a scathing assessment of Barcelona's conduct. As both Spanish giants prepare for a pivotal showdown at the summit of La Liga, the Belgian goalkeeper has claimed there is a distinct lack of class coming from the Catalan camp.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed young goalkeeper Mike Penders is ready for his full Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur. Alonso revealed he spoke with Thibaut Courtois about Penders, highlighting the striking similarities between the Belgian international and the teenage stopper.
