Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss Sunday’s El Clásico against Barcelona after falling ill with a flu-like condition, the Spanish club confirmed.
Madrid announced the Belgian’s late withdrawal on its official website, naming 19-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper Illia Voloshyn as his replacement for the La Liga fixture.
“Courtois is a last-minute absence due to a flu-like illness for tonight’s match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, corresponding to the tenth matchday of La Liga. “Illia Voloshyn has been called up in his place,” the statement noted.
READ ALSO: Mourinho: Don’t Underestimate ‘Wounded’ Real Madrid
Courtois’ absence comes ahead of a crucial encounter between the Spanish rivals, with Barcelona enjoying a strong start to their league campaign.
The Catalan side tops the standings with 27 points from nine matches, having won every game so far this season. They will aim to extend that run to 10 consecutive victories, matching a record previously set by Real Madrid in the 1968-69 campaign.
Madrid, meanwhile, occupy third position, six points behind their rivals, after suffering league defeats against Real Betis and Atletico Madrid.
The hosts will also be without Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior, who is serving a four-match domestic suspension, further affecting their options for the high-profile clash.