Antonio Rudiger set to play El Clasico despite 20 stitches

MADRID: Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is all set to play in Sunday's El Clasico against Barcelona despite his scary injury against Shakhtar Donetsk.

After clashing with Shakhtar's 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 Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti.

"If you look at him, he is so excited and looking forward to Sunday's game."

Due to insufficient match practise 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. But he needs more practice to get back to peak form. We won't rush him back until he is ready," the Italian coach added.

Real and Barcelona are tied on points at the top of La Liga, but Barca is in danger of exiting the Champions League at the group stage for the second consecutive year after winning just one of its four games.

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