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Why Chelsea star’s sudden illness has caused anger: Swansea appearance in question
THIBAUT COURTOIS’ late withdrawal through illness to appear on French TV has sparked a backlash from Telefoot’s presenters.
Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois scores free-kick in training
The Chelsea goalkeeper pulled out of appearing on the show on Sunday at the last minute.
The Belgium international was absent for the Blues’ FA Cup tie at Wolves as Asmir Begovic helped earn Saturday’s 2-0 victory, with third-choice Eduardo on the bench.
And it is said Courtois, an ever-present in the Premier League this season, is suffering from a severe stomach bug.
But the manner in which the 24-year-old skipped his agreed media duties left Telefoot’s hosts scathing.
Thibaut Courtois has not posted on Instagram or been pictured in training at Chelsea since last week
All we can say is that to let us know like that at the very last minute is not very ‘Courtois’
Christian Jeanpierre and Frederic Calenge said: “All we can say is that to let us know like that at the very last minute is not very ‘Courtois’.”
Their comments were a dig at the Chelsea man’s name, which translates in French to courteous.
The station’s editor-in-chief Marc Ambrosiano also tweeted: “Unfortunately Thibaut Courtois is suffering from gastroenteritis, and has had to withdraw from appearing on Telefoot this morning.
“We wish him a speedy recovery.”
Asmir Begovic filled in for first-choice Thibaut Courtois in Chelsea's FA Cup tie at Wolves
Thibaut Courtois' been an ever-present in the Premier League for top of the table Chelsea this term
As a result though, Courtois’ availability is in question for this weekend.
Chelsea welcome a resurgent Swansea to Stamford Bridge in the league on Saturday (3pm), and The Sun say Antonio Conte is now hoping his No1 shot-stopper will recover in time.
Second-placed Manchester City are not playing as their derby with Manchester United is postponed, meaning Chelsea can at least temporarily extend their lead at the top to 11 points with a win.
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