Real Madrid deny claims Thibaut Courtois suffered anxiety attack during Champions League tie

Real Madrid have released a statement dismissing allegations Thibaut Courtois was substituted in midweek due to suffering an anxiety attack.

The goalkeeper was replaced by Alphonse Areola at half-time in the club’s 2-2 draw with Club Brugge in the Champions League.

At the point of coming off, Courtois had been criticised for the two goals his side conceded, with the Spanish giants 2-0 down.

In their club statement, Real Madrid said: “Our player has never been diagnosed with an alleged anxiety picture and therefore, that information is absolutely false.

“Thibaut Courtois has been diagnosed and treated for acute gastroenteritis with dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which made it impossible to end Tuesday’s game against Brugge.

“The player currently responds favourably to the treatment.”

Madrid currently sit bottom of their Champions League group after two games, after losing 3-0 away at Paris Saint-Germain before their draw with Club Brugge.