Thibaut Courtois Ruled Out of Euro 2024 Despite Potential Real Madrid Return

Thibaut Courtois, Belgium's 102-cap goalkeeper, has been ruled out of the Euro 2024 tournament due to a knee ligament injury. The 31-year-old Real Madrid player has missed the entire 2023-24 season with the injury and suffered a further setback in March, requiring another knee operation.

Despite the potential for Courtois to return to Real Madrid's lineup before the end of the current campaign, Belgium national team coach Domenico Tedesco announced that Courtois would not be chosen for the Euro 2024 squad. "Thibaut Courtois, Belgium's 102-cap goalkeeper, has been ruled out of Euro 2024 by national team manager Domenico Tedesco, despite Courtois making a return to the Real Madrid squad," a source reported.

Courtois had already announced his decision to withdraw from the tournament in December 2023 due to his left knee injury. "The 31-year-old has missed the entire season and needed another knee operation in March after a setback in his recovery," the source added. Tedesco stated that the team is focusing on players who are in good shape for the upcoming competition.

Why this matters: Courtois' absence is a significant blow for Belgium, as he has been a key player for the national team with 102 caps. His injury also highlights the challenges faced by players in recovering from serious injuries and the impact it can have on their international careers.

Courtois has been on frosty terms with Tedesco since June 2023, when he was overlooked as captain in favor of Romelu Lukaku following an injury to Kevin De Bruyne. Belgium will start their Euro 2024 campaign against Slovakia on June 17 before facing Romania and Ukraine in the group stage.

Key Takeaways

• Thibaut Courtois ruled out of Euro 2024 due to knee ligament injury
• Courtois missed entire 2023-24 season, required another knee operation in March
• Belgium coach Tedesco announced Courtois will not be chosen for Euro 2024 squad
• Courtois had announced withdrawal in December 2023 due to left knee injury
• Courtois' absence is a significant blow for Belgium, who he has represented 102 times