Why Thibaut Courtois was dropped from Real Madrid squad to face Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Real Madrid will have to face Sunday's La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano without starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after he was left out of Carlo Ancelotti's matchday squad.

Los Blancos head into the game third in La Liga, three points behind leaders Barcelona, whose game against Osasuna on Saturday was postponed shortly before kick-off following the tragic passing of team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia.

It's a big game for Madrid but they will have to navigate the match without Courtois as AS state the Belgian has complained of a knee injury.

The report claims Courtois, still regarded as one of the very best goalkeepers in the world, has long been battling this injury but has complained of a fresh pain in recent days, and while there is not thought to be any real reason for concern, the decision has been made to hand the Belgian a rest.

Courtois has been left out of the squad, meaning Andriy Lunin will take his place between the posts. Centre-back Antonio Rudiger has also been left at home for a similar reason, having missed training in the build-up through illness.

Central to Madrid's thinking is the upcoming second leg of their Champions League last 16 clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, with Ancelotti clearly seeking to ensure both Courtois and Rudiger are healthy to battle their fierce rivals.

Madrid hold a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, meaning they still have plenty of work to do to navigate Diego Simeone's Atletico on Wednesday.