Euro 2024: Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois Excluded from Squad

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Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has made the decision to exclude himself from participation in the Euro 2024 championship scheduled for next summer.

This choice follows a serious knee injury sustained during training four months ago, where the 31-year-old Real Madrid player ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in August.

Speaking to Belgian outlet Sporza, Courtois acknowledged the impracticality of his participation in the European championships due to his ongoing injury recovery. He expressed hope to potentially play another match in May but noted the challenge of being fully prepared for a major tournament.

The Euro 2024 championship is set to commence on June 14 in Germany, and Belgium, currently ranked fourth globally by FIFA, finds itself in Group E alongside Slovakia and Romania. Courtois' decision comes in the aftermath of a disagreement with Belgium's coach Domenico Tedesco.

The rift emerged when Courtois refused to play a qualifying game in Estonia in June after not being appointed the stand-in captain, leading to tensions between the goalkeeper and the coaching staff.

In addressing the situation, Courtois offered apologies to his teammates and supporters for his actions but emphasized feeling undervalued.

Despite this, he expressed openness to resolving issues with Tedesco, acknowledging the need for mature discussions. Courtois, however, questioned the possibility of finding common ground following a breach of trust.

While Courtois has ruled out his immediate participation in the Euro 2024, he affirmed that this decision does not signify a definitive retirement from international football. He clarified that the door remains open for his return to the national team.

Courtois underscored the importance of maintaining focus on his current responsibilities with Real Madrid for the ongoing season, indicating that the European Championship does not align with his plans for a seamless comeback.

The goalkeeper's careful consideration reflects a commitment to prioritizing his recovery and club commitments while leaving the door ajar for potential future international appearances.