Rival Watch: Real Madrid superstar doubtful for El Clasico, could not train today

Barcelona’s recent 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League has caused confusion and anxiety around the camp. But the club will have an opportunity to gain back some confidence when they take on arch-rivals Real Madrid this weekend.

A win for the Catalans could see them take a comfortable three-point lead over Los Blancos, at the top of the league table.

Heading into this game, Barça were even handed a positive update as Jules Kounde is recovering well. The Frenchman is in contention to start against Real Madrid, which could go a long way in adding more solidity to the Barcelona backline.

It appears the Catalans have now been handed yet another boost as Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has once again missed training and remains a major doubt for El Clasico, reports MARCA.

Courtois has been on the sidelines due to an Achilles injury. He has missed out on quite a few matches this season, including the league games against Getafe and Osasuna. He also missed the Champions League affairs against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had offered a positive update on Courtois’ injury just before the midweek contest against Shakhtar. The Italian had suggested that the goalkeeper may feature against Barcelona this weekend.

However, according to the latest reports, Courtois has missed training today and the hopes of his participation in El Clasico are fading. This could serve as a massive boost for Barcelona, who have quite a few players of their own out injured, including Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen.

Even if Courtois is granted the green light to feature against Barça, he will only have to two training sessions to prepare, which is not ideal given the fact that the Belgian international has not been in action for two weeks.

With that in mind, Real Madrid are likely to persist with Andriy Lunin as their shot-stopper, as they play hosts to their arch-rivals this weekend.

The post Rival Watch: Real Madrid superstar doubtful for El Clasico, could not train today appeared first on Barca Universal.

from Barca Universal https://ift.tt/ijoU3Tw
via IFTTT