Arsenal & Russo punished as Lyon snatch UWCL advantage

Chelsea's date with destiny: Can Blues finally take down Barca?

Maresca should focus on winning, not arguing with Chelsea fans

The best Didier Drogba interview you'll ever read

Manchester United's craziest European comebacks - ranked

Editors' Picks

WATCH: Son's priceless reaction as he's asked if he's better than Salah

How to buy Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Copa del Rey tickets

Scotland World Cup 2026 qualifying: Group, fixtures & results 

Santos Laguna vs Monterrey: Stream, TV & where to watch

Where to watch Ronaldo's Al-Nassr games: Stream & TV info

How to buy Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Copa del Rey tickets

Where to watch & stream MLS games live

Man Utd live stream and TV channel broadcast info

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Courtois returns to Belgium squad</li><li>Last played for Red Devils in June 2023</li><li>Had a fall out with former coach Tedesco</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Thibaut Courtois is back! Real Madrid goalkeeper returns to Belgium squad after almost two years away from Red Devils squad

LaLiga

Real Madrid

Athletic Club

<p>The Real Madrid custodian was named in the Red Devils' 26-member squad for their upcoming two-legged Nations League qualifying fixture against Ukraine. Courtois has not appeared for Belgium since June 2023 after he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/thibaut-courtois-reveals-real-reason-domenico-tedesco-fallout-belgium-real-madrid-goalkeeper-play-euro-2024/bltaf8bb1473b30ebf7" target="_blank">had a fallout with ex-Belgium boss Tedesco over captaincy of the national team</a>. However, with Rudi Garcia replacing Tedesco in January, the goalkeeper has now returned to the national team setup.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Speaking to reporters about Courtois' selection, the new Belgium boss said: "We're starting with a blank slate. I won't see the players until Monday, but we'll talk to the leaders again about what happened. But after that, I'm not going to keep dwelling on what happened years ago. Otherwise we won't make any progress."</p><p>Garcia further revealed how he is planning to resolve the captaincy issue as he added: "I have an idea in my head about that. Kevin (de Bruyne), Romelu (Lukaku) and Thibaut are definitely candidates. We will see next week who the leaders are."</p>

WHAT RUDI GARCIA SAID

<p>The Madrid star's comeback did not go down well with Koen Casteels, who has been Belgium's first-choice custodian in the past few years. The Al Qadsiah goalkeeper even quit the national team following the news of Courtois returning to the national team was out. Speaking on Belgian podcast MidMid, Casteels said: "It's strange that the football association has turned 180 degrees and is rolling out the red carpet and welcoming him back with open arms. </p><p>"I think it's a bit strange that Courtois can decide for himself whether he can come back. It is not so much towards Thibaut, but mainly towards the football association. That does not fit in with the standards and values that I have about what a team sport or a sporting organisation should have. As of today, I am no longer available [for the national team]."</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Belgium will first face Ukraine on Thursday, away from home, before hosting them for the second leg on March 23.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR BELGIUM?

Thibaut Courtois is back! Real Madrid goalkeeper returns to Belgium squad after almost two years away from Red Devils squad | Goal.com

Thibaut Courtois has returned to the Belgium squad after almost two years following spat with former coach Domenico Tedesco.

Next Match