Courtois ruled out of Clasico as Ancelotti says Barca clash isn't 'life or death'

Real Madrid will be without Thibaut Courtois for a Clasico clash which Carlo Ancelotti says is not 'life or death'.

Courtois was sidelined with sciatica but Ancelotti said this week he hopes his keeper will return against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

Los Blancos head coach Ancelotti revealed on Saturday that the Belgium international will not take part in a mouth-watering battle between the top two in La Liga.

"Courtois is doing pretty well, he feels good. [But] he has trained very little and is not comfortable," said the Italian. "He's out for tomorrow.

"He will train more regularly next week. We will see for next Wednesday or Sunday, he just needs training."

Andriy Lunin is expected to replace the former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea goalkeeper again.

Meanwhile, centre-back Antonio Rudiger will face Barca wearing a mask after needing stitches due to the clash of heads he suffered in the late equalizer in the Champions League tie. Champions League midweek against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Madrid and fierce rivals Barca are level on points with seven wins from eight La Liga games, with Xavi's side leading on goal difference.

The champions have won five of the last six Clasico encounters, but the Catalan giants beat them 4-0 when they last met in the capital in March.

Despite the fine margins in the league table, Ancelotti says winning is not essential when they lock the horns for the first time this season.

He said: "I didn't show any video to the players to motivate them. They know their opponents well and last year's game won't affect it. It's another competition and another year .

"We hope to play a game that the whole world will see, and we want to show a good image and try to win it for our fans.

"It's a special game, but no life or death. The season is very long. Although it is clear that we would like to win."