Revealed: Why Thibaut Courtois isn't playing for Belgium at Euro 2024 despite playing in the Champions League final... as Nottingham Forest's Matz Sels and Luton's Thomas Kaminski get the nod

Thibaut Courtois was left out of Belgium's 26-man squad for Euro 2024 The goalkeeper started for Real Madrid in the Champions League final LISTEN to It's All Kicking Off! Were England good in their opener or is the criticism fair? 

Thibaut Courtois was surprisingly left out of Belgium's squad for Euro 2024 after manager Domenico Tedesco deemed the goalkeeper was not fully fit.

Despite Courtois starting for Real Madrid in their Champions League final victory against Borussia Dortmund, he was missing from his country's 26-man group.

Shortly before the 2023-24 season, the stopper sustained a serious ligament injury and was ruled out for the majority of the campaign. Indeed, he only returned with a handful of games remaining and made just five appearances in total.

Kepa Arrizabalaga was initially drafted in on loan from Chelsea to replace him while Andriy Lunin impressed between the sticks and became the club's new No 1.

But Courtois returned to his best after recovering from his setback and pulled off several eye-catching stops against Dortmund to secure Madrid a memorable treble.

Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois was not named in Belgium's 26-man Euro 2024 squad

Courtois was deemed to be not fit enough for regular action by head coach Domenico Tedesco

Tedesco, however, believes the 32-year-old was not ready for regular action.

Explaining his controversial decision to leave him out during a press conference, Tedesco said: 'He was honest and clear. He knows his body the best, and it's different to play every three or four days during a tournament. 

'So, when taking all this into consideration, we didn't think he was ready for the Euros. Of course, we now plan with the players that are able to play.' 

Nottingham Forest's Mats Sels, Luton Town's Thomas Kaminski and Wolfsburg's Koen Casteels will all compete to start in goal for Belgium against Slovakia today.

Courtois and Tedesco have endured a frosty relationship since the latter was appointed the national team head coach in February 2023.

Courtois missed the majority of last season after sustaining a serious ligament injury

Tedesco admitted he did not think the goalkeeper was 'ready' to be included in his squad

Nottingham Forest's Matz Sels is in line to start for his country in their opener against Slovakia

The goalkeeper stormed out of Belgium's training camp last summer after Tedesco named Romelu Lukaku as captain during a Euro 2024 qualifying match.

Courtois had wanted the armband to mark his first time playing at home since earning his 100th cap but was told he would wear it in their next game days later.

Having taken offence, he insisted there had been a 'breach of trust'.

'The fact that I no longer felt appreciation from the federation and trainer made something explode within me,' Courtois told Sporza. 'The coach made no effort to find a solution but simply said he would tell the press everything. 

'He wanted to pressure me not to leave and threaten me.'

Courtois has not played for Belgium since the public spat.