Courtois returns as Garcia names Belgium squad for Nations League play-off

Thibaut Courtois has been recalled to the Belgium squad for the first time since June 2023, as head coach Rudi Garcia named his 26-man selection for the Nations League play-off against Ukraine.

Courtois, who had been in self-imposed exile following a dispute with former coach Domenico Tedesco over the captaincy, is set to make his return under Garcia. The Real Madrid goalkeeper had expressed his willingness to rejoin the national team after the Frenchman’s appointment in January.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Garcia said he had “decided to start afresh” regarding Courtois’ place in the squad.

His recall, however, has not been without controversy. Koen Casteels, who had served as Belgium’s No. 1 in Courtois’ absence, announced his international retirement last Sunday, expressing frustration over the decision.

“I find it a bit strange that Thibaut Courtois can decide for himself whether he can come back. And I find it very strange that the federation should flip-flop in this way and roll out the red carpet,” Casteels said on a podcast. “There are a lot of players who think the same as I do.”

Belgium will also have fresh faces in the squad, with Lyon’s Malick Fofana and Ajax youngster Jorthy Mokio earning their first call-ups. Meanwhile, experienced figures such as Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Youri Tielemans remain key inclusions.

Belgium face Ukraine in a two-legged tie on March 20 and 23, with a place in League A of the Nations League on the line.

(Source: AFP)