Real Madrid have hit out at ‘absolutely false’ reports that goalkeeper Thibaut Coutois is suffering from anxiety.
The news was reported in Spanish digital newspaper OK Diario, which is not viewed as reputable, before being repeated by multiple unverified Twitter accounts.
The Belgian international was forced off during half-time of Madrid’s midweek Champions League clash with Club Brugge and is set to miss the weekend clash against Granada.
However, Los Blancos have subsequently clarified via a statement that the goalkeeper is instead suffering from “acute gastroenteritis with dehydration and electrolyte imbalance”, with Marca claiming that he has lost 3kg over the past few days due to the illness.
Alphonso Areola, a summer loan signing from Paris Saint-Germain, replaced him at the break during that clash and also looks set to feature against the newly-promoted Andalusian club in La Liga.
Areola has yet to concede a goal for Madrid having played in the 2-0 La Liga victory at home to Osasuna and keeping a second half clean sheet against Club Brugge, as Los Blancos fought from two goals down to rescue a point.
Marco Asensio, Nacho Fernandez, Marcelo and Ferland Mendy are other absentees for Madrid, who are under pressure once again following the draw against Brugge – although enter the weekend as leaders of La Liga.
