FC Barcelona are set to lock horns with arch-rivals Real Madrid this weekend, in what could be a consequential clash in the context of the title race.
While Barça have been dealt with a major injury crisis heading into this encounter, their opponent Real Madrid have had some issues of their own as well.
But following the recent returns of Luka Modric and Karim Benzema, Carlo Ancelotti has most of his first-team options available at his disposal. Now, the Italian has provided an update on the potential availability of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper has missed the last three matches since the return of club football after the international break, owing to sciatica. But, Ancelotti is hopeful of having him back for El Clasico.
“Courtois is much better, the plan is to start training on Thursday and be ready for Sunday. We’ve talked to him and he’s much better,” Ancelotti said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Shakhtar Donetsk (h/t MARCA via Madrid Universal).
The Belgian is likely to return to action against Barcelona this weekend. His presence in between the sticks could serve as a major boost for Real Madrid, who have had issues retaining clean sheets this campaign.
The goalkeeper’s job could be made difficult up against a Barcelona attack led by none other than Robert Lewandowski.
Apart from Courtois, Los Blancos are also likely to have Eder Militao available, even though the defender picked up an injury this past weekend against Getafe.
