Thibaut Courtois, the stalwart goalkeeper for both Real Madrid and the Belgium national team, has been ruled out of Euro 2024 following a reported fallout with Belgium’s head coach, Domenico Tedesco. The news comes as a significant blow to Belgium’s aspirations in the upcoming tournament.
Courtois, 31, had recently made his long-awaited return to the pitch after enduring 271 days on the sidelines due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee suffered last summer. Just as he was nearing full recovery in March, he faced another setback with an injury to the internal meniscus of his right leg.
Despite overcoming these challenges and regaining his fitness in time for the European Championship, the Belgian Football Association announced that Courtois would not be part of the squad. Insider reports suggest that a disagreement between Courtois and Coach Tedesco over team leadership and strategy led to this decision.
Courtois has been a pivotal figure for Belgium, earning 100 caps and playing crucial roles in previous major tournaments. His absence leaves a significant gap in the team’s defense, raising questions about how Belgium will adjust their tactics without their first-choice goalkeeper.
The Belgium national team has yet to release an official statement detailing the reasons behind Courtois’s exclusion. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting further information as the team prepares for the challenges ahead in Euro 2024.
This development not only affects Belgium’s prospects but also adds a layer of complexity to Real Madrid’s season, as the club will monitor how this situation impacts Courtois’s performance upon his return.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
