Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane defended under-fire goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois following criticism for his lackluster start to the season.
The Belgian was jeered during Tuesday’s disappointing 2-2 Champions League draw at home with Club Bruges as the visitor raced into a shock two-goal lead.
He was substituted at halftime with an issue that will keep him out of Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash with second-placed Granada in La Liga.
In a statement Friday, Real denied local media reports suggesting the Belgian had been diagnosed with anxiety.
Another nightmare Real Madrid moment for Thibaut Courtois ?♂️#RMABRU #UCL pic.twitter.com/C9x6EZdRUx
— Goal (@goal) October 1, 2019
The club said the player was suffering from “acute gastroenteritis with dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance,” an issue Zidane confirmed.
“He was feeling bad (before the game against Bruges), that I know for sure. These things can happen. He had an upset stomach but he was able to start but at the break he wasn’t good,” the Frenchman told a news conference.
Alphonse Areola, who replaced Courtois in midweek, will deputize.
“The important thing is how he feels. Of course he is not the main reason for what happened in the first half against Bruges. Yes, he’s the goalkeeper, but he’s not the sole culprit," Zidane said.
