Real Madrid Handed Courtois Boost Ahead of the First El Clasico of the Season Versus Barcelona

• Thibaut Courtois is in line to return for Real Madrid in time for the El Clasico tie against arch-rivals Barcelona on Sunday, October 16
• Courtois was sidelined for a few weeks with a back injury and is set to return to full training this Thursday ahead of the game against Barcelona
• Real Madrid assistant goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has been deputising for the Belgian goalkeeper during his absence from the Spanish champions

Real Madrid has received a massive boost ahead of El Clasico against Barcelona this weekend, with the proposed return to fitness of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Courtois was sidelined with a back injury and has missed Real Madrid’s last few games, but reserve goalie Andriy Lunin has replaced the Belgian shot-stopper in goal for Los Blancos.

According to Fansided, Real Madrid Manager, Carlo Ancelotti has now confirmed Courtois could feature for the Spanish champions against Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season.

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“He’s much better today. We spoke to him before we left Madrid. He’s feeling better. I think he’ll start training on Thursday to be ready for the game on Sunday.”

Courtois played a major role in helping Real Madrid win the La Liga title last season and his wealth of experience would be needed in the top-of-the-table clash against the Catalans.

Real Madrid 'unstoppable' into El Clasico

Meanwhile, Real Madrid maintained their unbeaten status heading into El Clasico with another impressive result in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk, Marca reports.

Antonio Rudiger scored a 95th-minute equaliser for Los Blancos to rescue a point for the Champions League holders, against the Ukrainian giants on Tuesday night.

Real Madrid will be seeking to overtake Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table if they can get a win against Xavi’s men at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Both teams are currently tied on 22 points.

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Courtois bold after El Clasico loss

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Thibaut Courtois has insisted Real Madrid were a beat off their usual rhythm, as the UEFA Champions League winners were beaten by arch-rivals Barcelona in a tune-up pre-season game.

Los Blancos had lost 1-0 in the El Clasico friendly tie, with new summer signing Raphinha scoring a screamer for Barcelona to hand Carlo Ancelotti’s men their first defeat in pre-season.

Courtois played down the loss, revealing the result would not affect Los Blancos players.