Real Madrid have been forced into a late change ahead of Sunday's El Clásico, with Thibaut Courtois ruled out after suffering from a flu-like illness.
The Belgian goalkeeper was initially expected to start against Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou, but Real Madrid confirmed on Sunday that he would miss the match.
Andriy Lunin is therefore expected to take his place in goal, although reports later suggested Courtois had begun feeling better and was still hoping to make himself available.
Real Madrid announced that Courtois was a last-minute absence because of a flu-like illness.
The club subsequently called up Illia Voloshyn to replace him in the squad.
The announcement came only hours before one of the biggest matches of the LaLiga season, leaving José Mourinho with a major late decision to make in goal.
Courtois has started every competitive match for Madrid this season, making his absence particularly significant.
With Courtois initially ruled out, Andriy Lunin is in line to make his first appearance of the 2026/27 season.
The Ukrainian goalkeeper has remained Courtois' understudy and has not featured for the first team this campaign.
His last competitive appearance for Real Madrid came in May, when he kept a clean sheet in a 2–0 victory over Espanyol.
Now, Lunin could be handed one of the biggest assignments possible: facing Barcelona away from home in El Clásico.
The situation became more complicated after reports emerged that Courtois was feeling better and remained hopeful of travelling with the squad.
According to reports, the Belgian was determined to give himself a chance of playing despite the club's earlier announcement.
That means the goalkeeper situation could remain uncertain until the official line-ups are released.
Real Madrid have taken precautions by adding Voloshyn to the squad, while Lunin remains prepared to step in if Courtois cannot recover in time.
If Lunin does start, the match will represent a significant test after months without competitive football.
He has previous El Clásico experience, having appeared in four meetings with Barcelona during his Real Madrid career.
Lunin has recorded three victories and one defeat in those matches, although he has yet to keep a clean sheet against Barcelona.
This time, however, the stakes are even higher.
Barcelona enter the clash as LaLiga leaders, while Real Madrid are looking to close the gap at the top of the table.
For now, the official position remains that Courtois is out because of illness, with Lunin expected to deputise.
But the reports of Courtois feeling better mean the final goalkeeper decision could still change before kick-off.
Either way, Real Madrid have been forced to deal with an unexpected late complication ahead of one of the most anticipated matches of the season.
⚽ Goal: How big a blow is Courtois' absence for Real Madrid?
🔥 Fire: Lunin has the experience to handle the pressure of El Clásico.
😲 Shock: Courtois' late illness has completely changed Madrid's goalkeeper situation.
👍 Like: Should Mourinho trust Lunin if Courtois is not 100%?
💬 Comment: Who should start in goal for Real Madrid against Barcelona?
