BREAKING NEWS: Thibaut Courtois ‘not turning up for Belgium duty’ amid controversy over Romelu Lukaku being named captain ahead of him in 100th cap with wife-to-be watching and ‘behind dressing room row’
Romelu Lukaku led Belgium against Austria, facing the wrath of a team-mate Thibaut Courtois is furious that he was ignored and did not show up at the hotel He may now not start against Estonia, a game for which he was due to be named captain
Thibaut Courtois did not feature in the Belgium squad after Romelu Lukaku was named captain ahead of him for the draw with Austria, according to reports.
In the absence of regular skipper Kevin De Bruyne, Lukaku led the Red Devils on Saturday with Courtois stepping into the role in a move pre-planned by Domenico Tedesco. Instead, the goalkeeper had to be the captain against Estonia.
However, Courtois objected to the decision and was not present when the team met at his hotel to begin preparations for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier.
This is according to The newspaper in his homeland, who have also highlighted that the 31-year-old was honored for his 100th cap at the weekend. His fiancee Mishel Gerzig had given him a special memento just a week before their wedding.
“Thibaut Courtois is very important for us,” Tedesco said on Saturday night. ‘I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.
Thibaut Courtois failed to report for Belgium duty after being reviewed for the captaincy
Romelu Lukaku led the team to a draw with Austria, much to the keeper’s anger
According to reports in his homeland, Courtois did not join the rest of the team at their hotel
“On Saturday I had a conversation with Romelu and Thibaut about the captaincy. Against Austria it was Lukaku, against Estonia, Thibaut takes the credit.
“It’s important to us that you feel valued.”
Courtois is said to have lashed out at several teammates in the dressing room after the final whistle, a game in which striker Lukaku’s equalizer spared his side blushes, and players believed there was more to his outburst after the his absence
Real Madrid stopper Courtois also has a minor injury, the same publication adds, although Tedesco’s side are unaware of any potential setbacks.
At the moment it is not clear how Tedesco will respond to the drastic step of the experienced player, but a press conference scheduled for this afternoon could shed more light.
Back-up goalkeeper Matz Sels, formerly of Newcastle, could even replace Courtois between the sticks tomorrow, with Koen Casteels ruled out.
The caper was honored for his 100th cap, with fiancé Mishel Gerzig presenting him with a gift
The couple are getting married next week and have been dating since the summer of 2021
Courtois has played 102 times in total for Belgium, but is about to be sent off against Estonia
Reserve options Thomas Kaminski and Arnaud Bodart will also be in contention to play.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Courtois has played 102 games in total for Belgium and made his first-team debut in a goalless friendly against France in 2011.
He has yet to find much success on the international stage, but he picked up a bronze medal at the World Cup after his country finished third in Russia in 2018.
Belgium are currently second in their qualifying group with four points, three points behind leaders Austria, who have played one game more.
De Bruyne, meanwhile, will return to action in September after tearing his hamstring during Manchester City’s Champions League final win over Inter Milan.
Red Devils boss Domenico Tedesco will address the matter during his press conference today
