Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has come to the defence of Gianluigi Donnarumma after the Italian shot-stopper came under heavy criticism for his role in injuring Jamal Musiala. During Paris Saint-Germain's 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Club World Cup quarter-final on Saturday night, Donnarumma’s 50-50 challenge left the 22-year-old with a sickening injury.
Replays of the incident weren’t shown inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but the players' reactions made the seriousness of it clear. A medical report has since confirmed that the Germany international suffered a broken fibula and multiple ligament tears - an injury that will keep him out for up to five months.
After the match, Bayern captain Manuel Neuer was among the few to voice frustration at Donnarumma’s challenge, stating: "As a goalkeeper, I don't think you necessarily need to come on like that. It's risky." Now, a third high-profile goalkeeper - Courtois - has entered the conversation, weighing in on the unfolding drama.
Manuel Neuer Related
Manuel Neuer Reveals What He Told Gianluigi Donnarumma After Jamal Musiala Injury
The 22-year-old will be out for four to five months due to a broken fibula, with Neuer believing the injury could have been avoided.
Thibaut Courtois Weighs In On Donnarumma Drama
He thinks the situation is being blown out of proportion
Thibaut Courtois
Addressing the incident, as per Spanish media outlet AS, Courtois believes too much fuss has been made about Donnarumma, defending the Italian in the process. "Blaming Donnarumma for Musiala's injury seems excessive to me," he said.
"Goalkeepers go for the ball. Forwards don't hold back when they get in our way either. It's bad luck. It will hurt him more because he's on his team, but Donnarumma isn't to blame."
Since the incident, most involved have tried to downplay it. Neuer also recounted the conversation he had with Donnarumma after the incident: "At halftime, I approached him and asked, 'Don't you want to go see our player?' He suffered a serious injury, and I think it's only fair to go to him as a sign of respect, to go there and wish the kid all the best. And he did."
Meanwhile, Donnarumma later posted a photo on Instagram of himself looking distraught following the injury, along with a message for Musiala that read: "All my prayers and well wishes are with you."
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