Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has confirmed that he will not be able to play in the Euro 2024 tournament, as he recovers from a long-term ACL injury that has kept him out of action since the start of the season. The Real Madrid star spoke to Sporza, Belgium’s sports newspaper, on Tuesday and revealed his disappointment and frustration with his situation, but that it was the best decision to sit out next summer’s tournament.
Courtois suffered a torn ACL in August, and underwent surgery immediately and has been undergoing rehabilitation ever since.
Courtois said that he was looking forward to playing for Belgium at Euro 2024, however, he said that he had informed Real Madrid and Belgium that he would not be able to travel with the squad for the tournament, as he wanted to focus on his recovery and return to full fitness instead.
“Due to this injury, there will be no Euro Cup for me,” Courtois said. “First I have to recover 100% and it is better not to set a date. If I am lucky, I will be able to play a game in May. But I will never be 100% prepared for a big tournament like the Eurocup.
“I think it is better to immediately offer that sincerity to the national team. I am not going to be in goal at 80%, as long as we have other good goalkeepers. I put my honor aside and will be an additional support in June. Hopefully we can win a European title”
Courtois added that he has received several messages of support from other players who have suffered similar injuries.
“I received many messages from other players who had the same injury: Asensio, Falcao and Oyarzabal,” Courtois explained. “Everyone says that it takes 9 to 10 months to return to your maximum level.”
Although there is a slim chance Courtois may return before the end of the season, the most realistic scenario is that he plays his first official match at the start of next season.
