Real Madrid expected to hand returning player a start vs Barcelona | OneFootball

Real Madrid will be playing for their pride as they take on Barcelona at Camp Nou this evening.

Heading into this game, the biggest positive for Real Madrid fans was the return of Thibaut Courtois.

The Belgian international has made a return to the squad after a month-long spell with injury – a period which coincided with some of Real Madrid’s most important matches of the season.

Nevertheless, Courtois is finally back in the squad, but many are questioning whether or not the goalkeeper will be fit enough to start ahead of Andriy Lunin in between the sticks.

Courtois to start against Barcelona

According to Diario AS, the Belgian goalkeeper is expected to start tonight. Alvaro Arbeloa is ready to rely on his number one choice despite the fact that he has been out for several weeks.

Courtois missed the Champions League games against Bayern Munich, but his recovery is now complete. The coaching staff feels that his presence is necessary to provide confidence to a defense that is currently missing several key pieces.

Courtois’ return will be a huge boost for Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

While Courtois is back, Real Madrid have suffered another blow. Kylian Mbappe has not recovered in time from a muscle injury in his right quadriceps.

The Frenchman will be unable to help his team in tonight’s league Clasico, which could end with the Catalan side winning the title.

On a brighter note, Aurelien Tchouameni is in the squad. Arbeloa announced that the midfielder will not receive a sporting punishment after his recent altercation with Federico Valverde.

Because of the many injuries, Madrid only has 16 first-team players available for this match. To fill the gaps, Arbeloa has turned to academy players.

The Castilla players traveling with the team are D. Jimenez, Thiago, Cestero, and Palacios. Real Madrid must now find a way to win against their rivals with a very limited squad.