Real Madrid Faces El Clásico with Key Absences and Courtois' Return

The white team prepares for the crucial match against FC Barcelona without several key figures, but with their starting goalkeeper back.

Generic image of a soccer ball on a stadium pitch.
IA

Generic image of a soccer ball on a stadium pitch.

Real Madrid is preparing for El Clásico against FC Barcelona with several key figures absent, including a French forward, but with the return of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after overcoming his physical discomfort.

The white team has confirmed its squad list for this Sunday's crucial match at Spotify Camp Nou. Among the most notable absences is that of a French forward, who has not recovered in time from a left semitendinosus muscle injury.
Despite having partially participated in Saturday's training, the club decided not to rush his recovery. This decision adds to other important players who will also be unavailable for the match.
On the other hand, French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has been included in the squad. The player was involved in an incident during a training session at Valdebebas, which resulted in a teammate's hospitalization due to a craniocerebral trauma. Both were internally sanctioned, but Tchouaméni will be able to play the match.
The good news for Real Madrid is the return of Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper, after recovering from his physical discomfort, will be available to defend the goal in the important clash against the Catalan team.
In addition to the French forward, the list of injured players includes Dani Carvajal, Éder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, Arda Güler, and Ferland Mendy. A midfielder has also been left out of the squad by technical decision.
Real Madrid's full squad for El Clásico consists of goalkeepers Courtois, Lunin, and Sergio Mestre; defenders Alaba, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Carreras, Fran García, Rüdiger, Huijsen, and David Jiménez; midfielders Bellingham, Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Thiago Pitarch, Cestero, and Palacios; and forwards Vinícius Jr., Gonzalo, Brahim, and Mastantuono.