Antonio Rudiger, a defender for Real Madrid, has been given the all-clear to play in Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona, but Thibaut Courtois won’t be there.
After clashing with Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin when scoring in Tuesday’s 1-1 Champions League match, Rudiger had 20 stitches in his forehead.
The German, who joined from Chelsea in June, will put on a face mask for protection.
“Rudiger is a warrior,” said Real manager Carlo Ancelotti.
“If you look at him, he is so excited and looking forward to Sunday’s game.”
Due to insufficient match practice after missing Real’s previous four games with a back injury, Belgium’s Courtois won’t be available for selection.
“He is recovered and that’s great for us,” said Ancelotti. “But he needs more practice to get back to peak form. We won’t rush him back until he is ready.”
Real and Barcelona are tied for first place in La Liga with the same number of points, but Barcelona is in danger of exiting the Champions League at the group stage for the second straight year after winning just one of its four games.