Real Madrid vs Racing Santander: Courtois Returns, But Valverde Out and Vinicius Suspended

Real Madrid travel to El Sardinero to face Racing Santander on Sunday, with Thibaut Courtois back in the squad but Federico Valverde unavailable and Vinicius Junior still suspended. Jose Mourinho’s side are looking to build on their Clasico win.

Real Madrid’s season is finally finding its rhythm. The 2-1 win over Barcelona at Camp Nou was the statement performance Mourinho had been waiting for. Now, the challenge is to back it up.

Racing Santander away is not the biggest fixture on the calendar. But it is the kind of match Real Madrid have dropped points in before. And with key players missing, it becomes a test of squad depth.

Courtois Returns, Valverde Out

The biggest boost for Mourinho is the return of Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper missed the Clasico with a flu-like illness, forcing Lunin to step in. Lunin performed admirably, but Courtois is the undisputed number one, and his presence changes the defence .

The bigger concern is Valverde. The Uruguayan, who has been playing at right-back, suffered a muscle strain in the second half against Barcelona and had to be replaced by Dumfries. He has been training separately from the group and is not expected to feature. Mourinho confirmed: “Tomorrow Fede does not start the match, it will be one of the others [Dumfries or Trent] who plays” .

Vinicius Junior remains suspended. The Brazilian was banned for four league matches after his red card against Villarreal, and this will be the third game he misses. His absence has opened the door for Yan Diomande, who has impressed on the left wing .

My Take: This Is Mourinho’s Squad Management Test

Everyone will talk about the Clasico win. They will talk about Mbappe and Bellingham and the statement it made. But the real test is matches like this.

Mourinho has said he does not believe in a fixed starting XI. The current football is more intense, faster, and the physical demands are much greater than they were 20 years ago. That philosophy is being tested now.

With Valverde out, Courtois returning, and Vinicius suspended, Mourinho has to rotate without losing rhythm. Dumfries or Alexander-Arnold will fill in at right-back. Tchouameni will anchor the midfield, with either Camavinga or Bernardo Silva alongside him . And Diomande will continue on the left.

These are not drastic changes. But they are the kind of changes that can cost points if the team is not prepared. Mourinho knows this. That is why he has been so careful with his squad management.

There is also the Racing Santander factor. The newly promoted side are unbeaten at home this season, with three wins and two draws . They will not roll over for Real Madrid. They will make it difficult.

What Happens Next

Real Madrid face Valencia away on November 7, then Celta Vigo at home on November 21. The Champions League also returns midweek.

The Racing match is not a season-definer. But it is a momentum-keeper. If Real Madrid win, they keep pace with Barcelona at the top of La Liga. If they drop points, the Clasico win starts to look like an anomaly rather than a turning point.

Mourinho will not say it publicly. But he knows this is a must-win.

FAQs

Is Thibaut Courtois available for Real Madrid vs Racing Santander?
Yes. Courtois has returned to the squad after missing the Clasico with a flu-like illness. He is expected to start in goal.

Why is Federico Valverde not playing?
Valverde suffered a muscle strain in his right thigh during the Clasico against Barcelona. He has been training separately and is not expected to feature. Mourinho confirmed he will not start.

Is Vinicius Junior still suspended?
Yes. Vinicius is serving a four-match league ban after his red card against Villarreal. This will be the third game he misses. He will return against Valencia on November 7.

Who will replace Vinicius on the left wing?
Yan Diomande is expected to continue on the left wing. The young forward has impressed in Vinicius’s absence.

Who will play at right-back for Real Madrid?
With Valverde out, Mourinho confirmed that either Dumfries or Trent Alexander-Arnold will start at right-back.

What is Racing Santander’s home record this season?
Racing Santander are unbeaten at home in La Liga this season, with three wins and two draws. They will be a difficult opponent for Real Madrid.