Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois to skip Nations League campaign after showdown talks with Belgium boss Mark van Bommel

Thibaut Courtois has dropped a bombshell on the Belgian national team by confirming he will not take part in the upcoming Nations League campaign. The Real Madrid goalkeeper reached the decision following a private meeting with new head coach Mark van Bommel, where the two discussed his long-term fitness and role within the squad.

Courtois has officially confirmed that he will step away from international duties during the upcoming Nations League cycle. The veteran shot-stopper, who has been a mainstay for the Red Devils for over a decade, reached the decision following a face-to-face meeting with new Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel in Madrid. The discussion centered on Courtois' need for physical recovery and his desire to manage his workload as he enters the latter stages of his elite career at age 34.