Thibaut Courtois said he was removed from Belgium's players' WhatsApp group amid his ongoing dispute with the national team setup. He remains absent from the international scene, and Van Bommel traveled to Madrid for an hour-long meeting with him.
Courtois on the WhatsApp group
Courtois told DAZN, as quoted by Foot Mercato: "They kicked me off the players' WhatsApp group. This group is used to communicate information, particularly about training. There are a few messages from time to time, but not a lot."
Why he sat out
Courtois had requested to sit out the Nations League fixtures in September and October to recuperate. A mutual agreement was reached between the national coach and Courtois for him to sit out the entirety of the Nations League campaign.
Courtois explained, as quoted by HLN: "I had indicated that I wanted some rest. I found that first international break in particular to be a lot – from what I heard from the players, that was indeed the case. You also have to go straight back to your club afterwards and the matches follow each other quickly. Italy, France, Turkey... Those are tough matches. That was a bit much at the moment, especially since I had two muscle injuries in a short time. If you compare it: I had a week off and could rest. Recharge myself as well."
Selection and possible return
The goalkeeper clarified during his interview: "I never arrived in the national team considering that I was automatically going to play. I know my qualities and I know that I can be important for the team. Nobody needs to guarantee me a starting spot."
Regarding the possibility of him joining the national team for the European Championship qualifiers, Courtois was unwilling to speculate, stating: "It was clearly communicated that that was not a problem. Senne and Maarten did well. The coach can always call me. If I return for the European Championship qualifiers, it is up to him to choose who he wants. We do not have a shortage of goalkeepers in Belgium."