Courtois temporarily suspends his career with Belgium

Real Madrid Spanish goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has temporarily suspended his stint with the Belgian national team and will not participate in the upcoming edition of the UEFA Nations League, but he will return to be available during the qualifiers for Euro 2028, according to Belgian media reports. The 34-year-old will not be in goal for the “Red Devils” in their matches against Italy and France scheduled for late this month, a decision made “after discussions with the new (Dutch) coach Mark van Bommel,” he said at a press conference following Real Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League victory over visiting Italian side Inter. Courtois said, “I will be available again during the Euro qualifiers. But Mark van Bommel told me that he cannot guarantee me a starting spot. If the goalkeeper who plays in the UEFA Nations League delivers good performances, the coach may give him his trust again.”