Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid reportedly skipped Belgium’s international duty when Romelu Lukaku was selected captain instead of him for the team’s tie with Austria.
Lukaku led the Red Devils on Saturday in Kevin De Bruyne’s absence as the team’s official captain after Domenico Tedesco intentionally passed over Thibaut Courtois for the position, according to Mail Online.
Against Estonia, the goalie was supposed to lead the team. But Courtois disagreed with the choice and skipped the team’s meeting at their hotel to start getting ready for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier.
According to Het Nieuwsblad in his own country, they also noted that the 31-year-old was recognized for earning his 100th cap during the weekend. Just one week before their wedding, his fiancée Mishel Gerzig sent him a wonderful gift.
The importance of Thibaut Courtois to us is stated by Tedesco on Saturday night. I can’t express to you how grateful I am for him.
After the game, in which striker Romelu Lukaku’s equalizer saved a draw, it was reported that Courtois attacked several team members in the locker room.
The same article also states that Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois has a minor injury, however Tedesco’s team is not aware of any potential setbacks.
A news conference slated for this evening may provide more insight into Tedesco’s potential response to the veteran player’s dramatic move.
With Koen Casteels ruled out, back-up goalie Matz Sels, who was previously employed by Newcastle, may even take Courtois’ spot in the starting lineup tomorrow.
reserving choices Arnaud Bodart and Thomas Kaminski are also up for the game.
Courtois, a former Chelsea goalkeeper, made his senior debut for Belgium in a 2011 friendly game with France that ended scoreless. He has now made 102 appearances for Belgium.
Although he has not yet experienced significant success on the international stage, he did win a bronze World Cup medal in 2018 after his country placed third in Russia.
Belgium is currently in second place in their qualifying group with four points, three points behind leader Austria which has played one more game.
