Federico Valverde Out of Real Madrid’s Racing Squad As Courtois Returns

Federico Valverde has been left out of Real Madrid’s squad for Sunday’s La Liga visit to Racing de Santander, while Thibaut Courtois is included among the available goalkeepers.

AS reported on October 28 that a scan had found no serious injury and that Valverde was expected to face Racing. The final squad announcement supersedes that earlier expectation.

That examination followed discomfort in the back of his right thigh during El Clásico. AS said he had continued playing before being replaced by Denzel Dumfries, with the initial tests ruling out a serious injury.

That leaves a separate decision before Madrid’s Champions League visit to AEK Athens on Wednesday. A midweek return depends on his recovery; inclusion in that match has not been confirmed.

Madrid’s published squad includes Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries, giving the coaching staff specialist options on the right side of the defense. Both are listed alongside defenders including Ibrahima Konaté, Antonio Rüdiger and Dean Huijsen.

The midfield group named for Racing contains Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Bernardo and Thiago. Valverde’s absence therefore affects both the midfield rotation and the right-sided role he has occupied.

Courtois joins Andriy Lunin and Mestre in the goalkeeping group. A place on the squad list confirms availability for selection, although Madrid’s announcement does not designate Sunday’s starting goalkeeper.

Kylian Mbappé, Endrick, Carlos Espí, Brahim Díaz and Yan Diomande are the forwards selected. Vinícius Júnior is absent as his domestic suspension continues, leaving Madrid to manage separate availability issues before Europe.

Madrid’s European calendar places the AEK visit on November 4, with PSV at home on November 24 and Arsenal away on December 9. Those fixtures follow the Racing trip as the club manages its current availability decisions before the international break.