Euro 2024: Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco explains why Thibaut Courtois was left out of squad
Belgium national team head coach Domenico Tedesco has provided an explanation about why Thibaut Courtois was not named in the squad ahead of Euro 2024. The goalkeeper had an injury-riddled season as he ruptured the cruciate ligament in his left knee last August and later suffered a meniscus injury in March.
The Real Madrid shot-stopper was absent for the majority of the season, making only four La Liga appearances and maintaining clean sheets in all of them. Addressing Courtois' absence from Belgium's squad, Domenico Tedesco said (via Madrid Xtra):
"Thibaut Courtois has been very clear and honest. The latest information we have received is that he is not ready for the EURO."
The 32-year-old Belgian joined Real Madrid in 2018 and has been regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world currently. Courtois has maintained 95 clean sheets in 234 appearances for Los Blancos.
Real Madrid will face Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final on June 1 at Wembley Stadium. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has a difficult choice to make between Courtois, who recently returned from injury, and Andriy Lunin, who has been an effective replacement during the Belgian's absence.
Speaking about his decision for the Champions League final, the Real Madrid boss said:
"It’s very difficult because both deserve to play in the final: Lunin because he has had a great season and Courtois because he has come back from injury. I will wait until the last day to decide."
“Lunin now has a fever but he’ll be ready for Saturday. But the best goalkeeper in the world is also coming. I love the debate and if I tell you who plays, the debate is over,” added Carlo Ancelotti.
Thibaut Courtois has won the 2014 Belgian Sportsman of the Year award, the 2016–17 Premier League Golden Glove, the 2018 FIFA World Cup Golden Glove, and the 2018 Best FIFA Goalkeeper, among other honors.
Iker Casillas picks between Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin for Real Madrid's Champions League final
Real Madrid icon Iker Casillas believes Andriy Lunin should start over Courtois in the UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. Casillas, who won three Champions League trophies with Los Blancos, explained his choice (via Madrid Xtra):
"I think in the final Lunin should continue. Courtois doesn't have to prove anything to anyone, he will be the best goalkeeper in the world again, but he is recently recovered. Lunin has shown he is a guarantee."
Andriy Lunin arrived at Santiago Bernabeu in 2018 and has been loaned to Leganés, Valladolid, and Oviedo. He is the first Ukrainian to play for the La Liga giants and has maintained 16 clean sheets in 48 appearances for the club.