Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois has backed PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma after he came in for criticism for his part in Jamal Musiala’s horror injury.
PSG beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup on Saturday, but the match was overshadowed by a serious injury for the Bayern star.
There was an awkward collision between Donnarumma and Musiala, with the Germany international falling, with his leg briefly trapped between the pitch and the goalkeeper’s body.
The incident ended with a clear broken bone, with the German’s leg bent horribly and players looking shocked.
Bayern confirmed on Sunday: ‘Jamal Musiala suffered a fibula fracture and an ankle dislocation and will be sidelined for a long period of time.’
Donnarumma had dived to grab the ball at the feet of Musiala and while he clearly didn’t intend to injury him, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was not impressed.
‘It was a situation where you don’t have to go in like that,’ said the German ‘keeper. ‘That’s risk-taking. He was prepared to accept the risk of injuring his opponent.’
The Bundesliga giant’s sporting director, Max Eberl, also criticised the Italian, telling Sky: ‘When I jump onto his [Musiala’s] lower leg while sprinting, weighing 100 kg, there’s a high risk of something happening.
‘I don’t think he did it intentionally, but he also wasn’t being considerate.’
Courtois, though, is not having it, believing Donnarumma was within his rights to go for the ball and the injury was just an awful and unfortunate accident.
‘Blaming Donnarumma for Musiala ‘s injury seems excessive to me,’ said the Belgian of Neuer’s comments. ‘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.’
Donnarumma was clearly distraught by what had happened, in tears on the field as Musiala was stretchered off at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
He posted on Instagram after the match: ‘All my prayers and well wishes are with you @jamalmusiala10 🙏🏽.’
The Italian will be back in action on Wednesday as PSG take on Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup after the Spanish side edged out Borussia Dortmund 3-2.
On the other side of the draw, Chelsea take on Brazilian outfit Fluminense on Tuesday at 8pm UK time.
