Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is arguably the best in the world, but he has not been seen on the international stage since June of 2023. While initially that was down to injury, after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament and missed eight months of the season, it has since transpired that it was down to a difference of opinion with manager Domenico Tedesco.
According to Diario AS, the Red Devils are missing him. The Belgian Sporting Director Peter Willems was in Madrid in the last few days with Courtois the subject of his visit. Willems was attempting to persuade Courtois to come back to international duty with Belgium, but was told Courtois that he would be nowhere near it while Tedesco remains manager.
The pair originally fell out over the captaincy of the national team, with Tedesco not giving it to Courtois when he felt he deserved it. The Real Madrid first choice was even content to sit out Euro 2024 as a result. Courtois has suffered multiple muscle injuries this season, but has looked his old self when he has been fit, and is set to return after the international break.
