Thibaut Courtois Excluded from Belgium’s Euro 2024 Squad After Injury-Plagued Season
Thibaut Courtois, the veteran goalkeeper with 102 caps for Belgium, has been left out of the national team’s provisional 25-man squad for Euro 2024. The decision comes after a season marred by injuries, culminating in a missed opportunity to represent his country at the upcoming European Championships.
Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco unveiled a youthful squad for the tournament, featuring 12 Premier League stars such as Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku. Despite Courtois’ return to action with Real Madrid towards the end of the season, Tedesco opted to go with other goalkeeping options for the summer competition.
The omission of Courtois highlights the coach’s preference for a fresh, energetic lineup, with the likes of Leandro Trossard, Youri Tielemans, and Amadou Onana making the cut. The decision to exclude the experienced goalkeeper reflects tensions between Tedesco and Courtois, stemming from disagreements over the player’s role within the team.
As Belgium aims to make a mark in Germany this June, they will rely on a blend of youth and experience, including veteran players like Jan Vertonghen and Romelu Lukaku. The absence of Michy Batshuayi, once a Chelsea striker, further underscores the team’s commitment to a new generation of talent.
With past disappointments at major tournaments fresh in their minds, the Red Devils are determined to showcase their potential on the international stage. As they prepare to face Ukraine, Slovakia, and Romania in Group E, Belgium’s provisional squad sets the stage for an exciting and competitive Euro 2024 campaign.