Thibaut Courtois’ bizarre no-show to Belgium training on Sunday has taken another twist after new reports claimed that his team-mates are questioning whether the behaviour is linked to his marriage next week.
An earlier report on Monday claimed that a furious Courtois failed to report for Belgium duty on Sunday after Romelu Lukaku was named captain ahead of him for the draw with Austria.
In the absence of usual skipper Kevin De Bruyne, Lukaku led the Red Devils out on Saturday with Courtois passed over for the role in a pre-planned move by manager Domenico Tedesco. Instead, the goalkeeper was set to be captain against Estonia.
However, Courtois took exception to the decision and was not present when the squad gathered at their hotel to begin preparations for their next Euro 2024 qualifier, according to Het Nieuwsblad, which he now looks set to miss.
But now the same Dutch news outlet have released more details on the saga, which claimed Courtois was unable to be talked around in a late-night phone call – which lasted until 4am – by Tedesco, and that his team-mates believe his marriage next week could be playing a part in his walk-out.
Courtois is due to marry his fiancée, Israeli supermodel Mishel Gerzig, in the south of France next week in what will be a two-day party with more than 300 guests set to attend his special day.
Het Nieuwsblad are reporting that the Real Madrid goalkeeper was given extra time off last Monday to arrange something for his wedding.
The Belgium players were also given Sunday morning off following the draw with Austria to spend with friends and family before reporting back to Tubize on the evening which Courtois failed to turn up for.
Credit: dailymail.co.uk
