Revealed: Why Thibaut Courtois isn’t playing for Belgium at Euro 2024 despite playing in the Champions League final… as Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels and Luton’s Thomas Kaminski get the nod

Thibaut Courtois was surprisingly left out of the Belgium squad for Euro 2024 after manager Domenico Tedesco ruled the goalkeeper was not fully fit.

Despite starting for Real Madrid in their Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund, Courtois was missing from his country’s 26-man group.

Shortly before the 2023/24 season, the stopper suffered a serious ligament injury and was ruled out for most of the campaign. Indeed, he only returned with a handful of games remaining, making just five appearances in total.

Kepa Arrizabalaga was initially loaned from Chelsea to replace him, while Andriy Lunin impressed between the sticks to become the club’s new No. 1.

But Courtois returned to his best after recovering from his setback and made several eye-catching stops against Dortmund to secure Madrid a memorable treble.

Courtois was not deemed fit enough for regular action by head coach Domenico Tedesco

However, Tedesco believes the 32-year-old was not ready for regular action.

Tedesco explained his controversial decision to leave him out during a press conference: ‘He was honest and clear. He knows his body best and it is different to play every three or four days in a tournament.

‘So when we took all this into account, we didn’t think he was ready for the European Championship. Of course we are now planning with the players who can play.’

Nottingham Forest’s Mats Sels, Luton Town’s Thomas Kaminski and Wolfsburg’s Koen Casteels will all be in contention to start in goal for Belgium against Slovakia today.

Courtois and Tedesco have had a frosty relationship since the latter was appointed head coach of the national team in February 2023.

Courtois missed most of last season after suffering a serious ligament injury

Tedesco admitted he did not think the goalkeeper was ‘ready’ to be included in his squad

Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels is set to start for his country in their opener against Slovakia

The goalkeeper left the Belgian training camp last summer after Tedesco named Romelu Lukaku captain during a Euro 2024 qualifying match.

Courtois had wanted the armband to mark the first time he had played at home since earning his 100th cap, but was told he would wear it in the next match the following days later.

He was offended and insisted there had been a ‘breach of trust’.

“The fact that I no longer felt appreciation from the federation and trainer made something explode in me,” Courtois said. Sporza. ‘The coach made no effort to find a solution, but simply said he would tell the press everything.

‘He wanted to pressure me not to leave and threaten me.’

Courtois has not played for Belgium since the public row.