Just in: Reason behind Courtois absence from Real Madrid squad vs Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

With Real Madrid set to take on Rayo Vallecano later today at the Santiago Bernabeu, Carlo Ancelotti announced the squad list of players for the clash just a while ago.

There were two fresh absences from the squad as key defender Antonio Rudiger and starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois were both left out from the list.

Rudiger’s absence was expected after he missed training on Saturday due to an illness, but Courtois being left out came as a surprise.

Why is Courtois not in the Real Madrid squad vs Rayo Vallecano?

AS has now come forward with a report providing an update on why Courtois has not been called up by Real Madrid manager Ancelotti for the Rayo Vallecano clash.

Courtois has been managing a slight strain in his right patellar tendon for some time. While not a serious issue, nor a cause for concern, it has been causing some discomfort.

Dealing with some discomfort. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Given the situation, the Merengues chose not to take any risks and made the decision that Courtois will sit out the match against Rayo Vallecano.

Ancelotti has made it clear that when dealing with minor discomfort, rest is the priority, and that is why the Belgian shot-stopper does not make the squad list for today’s game versus Rayo.

However, it is expected that Courtois will be back training with the rest of the team tomorrow and be available to face Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League next Wednesday.

What about Rudiger?

As for Rudiger, the German defender has almost fully recovered from the flu, the club has decided not to rush his return.

Real Madrid have confirmed that he will rejoin group training tomorrow and will be available for the derby against Atletico Madrid.