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Thibaut Courtois Left Out of Belgium’s Euro 2024 Squad Due to Fitness Concerns

Posted : 28 May 2024

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was omitted from Belgium's Euro 2024 squad announced on Tuesday as he continues to regain full fitness after a season plagued by injuries. The 32-year-old suffered a cruciate ligament rupture in his left knee last August and later a meniscus injury in March. Despite returning to play four of Real Madrid's last five LaLiga matches this month, Courtois was deemed unready for the demands of the European Championship.

 

Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco explained Courtois' exclusion, highlighting the goalkeeper's honesty about his physical condition. "He knows his body," Tedesco said. "It is one thing to play three or four matches, but another to play the Euros." Tedesco emphasized the necessity of fielding players who are fully fit and capable of enduring the tournament's rigors.

 

In Courtois' absence, Tedesco will decide between Koen Casteels of Wolfsburg, Matz Sels of Nottingham Forest, and Thomas Kaminski of Luton Town for the starting goalkeeper position. Meanwhile, the squad includes seasoned Atletico Madrid player Axel Witsel, aged 35, whose experience is deemed valuable for mentoring younger teammates. Veteran Anderlecht center-back Jan Vertonghen, 37, and 19-year-old Atletico Madrid midfielder Arthur Vermeeren were also called up, underscoring a blend of experience and youth in the team.

 

Belgium, grouped with Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine in Euro 2024, will prepare with friendly matches against Montenegro on June 5 and Luxembourg on June 8 before heading to Germany for the tournament. The full squad includes a mix of established stars and emerging talents, aiming to make a significant impact in the competition.

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