Courtois Takes Temporary Break from Belgium National Team

Muscat: Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has temporarily stepped away from international duty with Belgium and will miss the upcoming Nations League fixtures, though he will be available for the Euro 2028 qualifiers, Belgian media reported today. The 34-year-old will not feature in the Red Devils' matches against Italy and France later this month, a decision taken after talks with new head coach Mark van Bommel, Courtois confirmed during a press conference on Tuesday evening following Real Madrid's 2-1 Champions League win over Inter Milan. According to Oman News Agency, after Belgium's quarter-final exit at the 2026 World Cup, the goalkeeper announced his intention to take a year's break from international football to maintain his fitness and focus on his club form. "I will be available again for the Euro qualifiers, but Van Bommel told me he cannot guarantee me a starting spot. If the goalkeeper who plays in the Nations League performs well, the coach may keep his trust in him," Courtois said. In his absence, Van Bommel may turn to Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens or Chelsea's Mike Penders. The decision is seen as a strategic move to allow Courtois to focus on his performance at Real Madrid while giving other goalkeepers a chance to prove themselves on the international stage.