Real Madrid goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois is reportedly set to miss the 2024 European Championship in Germany with the Belgian national team due to the long-term knee injury he sustained since the start of the season.
However, given the ongoing discord between Courtois and national team coach Domenico Tedesco, his absence might be prolonged even further.
In a brief statement, the Belgian federation expressed its regret that Courtois would miss the competition but expressed respect for his choice.
“We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the pitch soon,” it said.
According to the New Indian Express, the 31-year-old stated in an interview with Belgian broadcaster Sporza that he will not be able to play in the tournament after undergoing ACL surgery on his left knee.
“Due to the injury, there will be no European Championships for me anyway,” Courtois said.
“I first have to recover the full 100% and then it is better not to put a date on it. If I’m lucky, I can play another match in May. But then you can never be 100% ready for a big tournament.”
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Despite having 102 caps for Belgium, Courtois hasn’t taken the field for his nation since a 1-1 draw with Austria in June. Tedesco accused him of faking an injury when he abruptly left Belgium’s training camp following that match. Just before a second European Championship qualifying match against Estonia.
Belgium will compete in Group E with Slovakia, Romania, and an as-yet-to-be-determined playoff winner.
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