Thibaut Courtois could still feature for Real Madrid against Barcelona despite omission

Thibaut Courtois could yet play for Real Madrid against Barcelona despite being left out of the squad for Sunday’s La Liga meeting, according to The Athletic.

Real Madrid are due to face Barcelona at Camp Nou in the 10th round of the Spanish league season.

Courtois was initially ruled out after suffering from flu, with Ilya Voloshin called up to replace him in the squad. However, The Athletic reports that the Belgium goalkeeper has begun to feel better in recent days.

If his recovery continues, Courtois could travel separately to Barcelona in the coming hours in an attempt to take part in the match. The goalkeeper is understood to be optimistic about his chances of playing.

Should Courtois remain unavailable, Andriy Lunin will start in goal against Barcelona, with Sergio Mestre named among the substitutes.

Lunin has previously played four times against Barcelona for Real Madrid. His side have won three of those matches and lost one.

The Ukrainian goalkeeper has conceded eight goals across those fixtures and has not kept a clean sheet, despite Real Madrid recording three victories.

Real Madrid currently sit third in the La Liga table with 21 points, six behind leaders Barcelona.