Real Madrid will face Barcelona without first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after the Belgian was ruled out of Sunday’s El Clásico with a flu-like illness.
The Spanish club announced the late withdrawal on Sunday, confirming that 19-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper Illia Voloshyn had been called up as his replacement.
Courtois, 34, is a key figure in Madrid’s defence, and his absence presents a challenge for the hosts in one of Spanish football’s biggest fixtures.
Madrid will also be without Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior, who is serving a four-match domestic suspension.
Barcelona head into the encounter in strong form, having won all nine of their league matches this season to collect 27 points. They lead the table by six points and are seeking a 10th consecutive victory.
The Catalan side will aim to extend their winning run against a Madrid team that has already suffered league defeats against Real Betis and Atlético Madrid.
The result could have significant implications for the title race, with Barcelona looking to strengthen their advantage over their fierce rivals.
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