Sports

Real Madrid finally reveal why Zidane substituted Courtois against Club Brugge

Published

5 years ago

October 4, 2019

Real Madrid have issued a statement, denying claims Thibaut Courtois was substituted at half time of their Champions League group stage clash with Club Brugge due to anxiety.

Manager Zinedine Zidane replaced Courtois with Alphonse Areola at the break with Madrid 2-0 down at half time and Los Blancos recovered to draw 2-2.
Zidane’s action led to speculations, which the Spanish club has sought to clear up in an official statement.

It read: “In relation to various reports regarding our player Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid would like to clarify the following:

“At no point was our player diagnosed with anxiety and, therefore, the reports are completely false.

“That Thibaut Courtois in fact was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis with dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance, which made it impossible for him to finish the match on Tuesday against Brugge.

“The player is responding positively to treatment.”