Courtois to Miss Belgium Nations League Matches After Van Bommel Talks
Thibaut Courtois will not take part in Belgium’s forthcoming Nations League programme, opting to reduce his international workload as he manages the latter phase of his career.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper made the decision after meeting Belgium’s new head coach Mark van Bommel in Madrid. Courtois has been a central figure for the Red Devils for more than 10 years, but wants time for physical recovery before returning for the next European Championship qualifying campaign.
Quick facts
- Courtois will miss the full Nations League campaign, including its later rounds.
- He could only be recalled in an exceptional injury situation among Belgium’s goalkeepers.
- Mark van Bommel has not promised Courtois a place in the starting side upon his return.
- Belgium are due to face Italy and France during the Nations League schedule.
- Courtois intends to make himself available for European Championship qualifiers.
Courtois said his absence is a break rather than an international retirement. He stated that he had chosen not to play any part in the Nations League, while leaving open the possibility of an emergency call-up should the squad be hit by goalkeeper injuries.
Van Bommel travelled to the Spanish capital to discuss the arrangement directly, but made clear that the established No. 1 would receive no automatic route back into the team. Courtois said the coach could retain the goalkeeper used in the Nations League if that player performs strongly.
“I want to compete for my place,” Courtois said, adding that he intends to demonstrate he can again be Belgium’s first-choice goalkeeper. Matches against Italy and France will offer a major opportunity for the keeper selected in his absence.
Courtois remains focused on returning for the European Championship qualifying fixtures, accepting that he will need to earn selection after stepping away. His club form has remained high, most recently producing an influential Champions League display that helped Real Madrid beat Inter Milan.
The planned pause is therefore intended to protect Courtois physically, not to end his Belgium career. His eventual return will depend both on his own level and on how the national side’s alternative goalkeeper performs during the Nations League.
