Belgian international Thibaut Courtois missed group training on Friday, two days before the Clasico between his club, Real Madrid, and F.C. Barcelona, Spanish media reported.
Participation in the long-awaited clash between the two rivals on Day 9 of La Liga is therefore far from certain for the Red Devils' goalie.
Marca advances with near certainty that Courtois will not be in the line-up when the Clasico kicks off on Sunday at 4:15 p.m., while other Iberian media claim that the final decision will not be made until Saturday.
Hampered by sciatica since the Nations League matches at the end of September, Courtois missed two Champions League duels against Shakhtar Donetsk as well as matches against Osasuna and Getafe on the domestic scene. His Ukrainian replacement Andriy Lunin could thus play a fifth game in a row for the Madrilenians.
Sunday's match will be the 250th encounter between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. The leadership position is at stake since both teams are on 22 points, with the Catalans on top thanks to a better goal difference.
