Thibaut Courtois Returns From Exile, To Play For Belgium Again

Rudi Garcia announced Friday his 26-man squad for Belgium's Nations League play-off tie against Ukraine, which included Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for the first time since June 2023. In self-exile following a disagreement with then coach Domenico Tedesco after not being named captain for a match against Austria, Courtois will once again pull on Belgian colours. It is an inclusion that many expected after the 32-year-old stated his desire to return when Garcia was appointed as new head coach in January. The 61-year-old Frenchman said during his press conference Friday he had "decided to start afresh" as regards the star shot-stopper.

Ahead of Courtois' return, Koen Casteels -- Belgium's No 1 in the Madrid man's absence -- announced last Sunday he was "no longer available for the national team".

"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," said Casteels on a podcast.

"There are a lot of players who think the same as I do."

Belgian outlet Sudinfo also reported last week that not all the players seemed to be in favour of Courtois' return -- a situation likely to complicate Garcia's start to life in his new role.

"We'll have to discuss (this) with a select group, the leaders. We'll talk about it once and then some more. It's a new page that's opening up," said Garcia.

For his first squad since taking the reins, Garcia has called up 19-year-old Lyon forward Malick Fofana and 17-year-old Ajax starlet Jorthy Mokio, who could make their debuts.

However, the squad still boasts plenty of experience with Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans all present