Courtois hopes to play in tonight's El Clásico, but availability remains uncertain
Courtois feels better after a bout of flu and aims to rejoin Real Madrid before the derby, but no official change has been confirmed.
25 October 2026 — Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois still hopes he can play in tonight's El Clásico against Barcelona at Camp Nou, despite the club's earlier announcement that he would miss the match because of the flu.
The club initially announced that Courtois would be unavailable due to illness, but more recent reports say the Belgian is feeling better and is working to rejoin the squad ahead of the big derby.
Courtois's participation remains uncertain, however, and there has been no official confirmation that Real Madrid's decision has been changed.
If Courtois is not fit to start, Ukrainian keeper Andriy Lunin is expected to take the place between the posts as the substitute for the first-choice keeper.
The final decision on the starting goalkeeper is likely to be made only shortly before kickoff, leaving supporters awaiting an official update from the club.
Either way, the late availability of Courtois will be a key storyline ahead of one of the season's most high-profile fixtures.
Photo: press material from the event
