Thibaut Courtois 'fails to show up for Belgium duty' in spat over Romelu Lukaku being named captain ahead of him on 100th cap with wife-to-be watching - and 'after dressing room row'
- Romelu Lukaku led Belgium out against Austria, to the anger of one team-mate
- Thibaut Courtois is furious at being overlooked and failed to report to the hotel
- He may now not start against Estonia, a game he was set to be named captain for
A furious Thibaut Courtois failed to report for Belgium duty on Sunday after Romelu Lukaku was named captain ahead of him for the draw with Austria, reports claim.
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 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.
That is according to Het Nieuwsblad in his homeland, who have also highlighted the fact that the 31-year-old was honoured for his 100th cap at the weekend.
His fiancée, Israeli supermodel Mishel Gerzig, had awarded him a special memento just a week before their wedding.
![Thibaut Courtois failed to report for Belgium duty after being overlooked for the captaincy](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/06/19/08/72284985-0-image-m-2_1687160597670.jpg)
Thibaut Courtois failed to report for Belgium duty after being overlooked for the captaincy
![Romelu Lukaku skippered the side for the draw with Austria, to the anger of the goalkeeper](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/06/19/08/72285559-12209805-image-a-26_1687161380822.jpg)
Romelu Lukaku skippered the side for the draw with Austria, to the anger of the goalkeeper
![According to reports in his homeland, Courtois did not join the rest of the squad at their hotel](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/06/19/09/72284989-12209805-According_to_reports_in_his_homeland_Courtois_did_not_join_the_r-a-1_1687164420354.jpg)
According to reports in his homeland, Courtois did not join the rest of the squad at their hotel
'Thibaut Courtois is very important to us,' Tedesco said on Saturday night. 'I can't tell you how much I appreciate him.
'On Saturday I had a conversation with Romelu and Thibaut about the captaincy. Against Austria it was Lukaku, against Estonia, Thibaut gets the credit.
'It is important to us that he feels valued.'
It is said that Courtois ripped into a number of team-mates in the dressing room after the final whistle, a game in which striker Lukaku's equaliser spared his team's blushes, with players believing there was more to his bluster after his absence.
Real Madrid stopper Courtois is also carrying a slight injury, the same publication adds, though Tedesco's camp are unaware of any potential setback.
It is currently unclear how Tedesco will respond to the experienced player's drastic step, but a press conference scheduled for this evening could shed more light.
Back-up keeper Matz Sels, formerly on the books at Newcastle, could even replace Courtois between the sticks tomorrow, with Koen Casteels ruled out.
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/06/19/09/72287181-12209805-image-m-7_1687164862646.jpg)
The stopper was honoured for his 100th cap, with fiancee Mishel Gerzig handing him a gift
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/06/19/09/72287179-12209805-image-m-9_1687164935877.jpg)
The couple are set to tie the knot next week and have been dating since the summer of 2021
![Courtois has played 102 times in total for Belgium but is poised to be dropped against Estonia](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/06/19/09/72285601-12209805-Courtois_has_played_102_times_in_total_for_Belgium_but_is_poised-a-4_1687164420374.jpg)
Courtois has played 102 times in total for Belgium but is poised to be dropped against Estonia
Reserve options Thomas Kaminski and Arnaud Bodart are also in contention to play.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Courtois has made 102 appearances in total for Belgium and made his senior debut in a friendly goalless draw with France in 2011.
He is yet to taste major success on the international scene but did clinch a bronze World Cup medal after his nation finished third in Russia in 2018.
Belgium currently sit 2nd in their qualifying group on four points, trailing leaders Austria - who have played one game more - by three points.
De Bruyne, meanwhile, will return to action in September after he snapped his hamstring during Manchester City's Champions League final win over Inter Milan.
![Red Devils boss Domenico Tedesco will address the matter during his press conference today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/06/19/09/72285589-12209805-Red_Devils_boss_Domenico_Tedesco_will_address_the_matter_during_-a-5_1687164420379.jpg)
Red Devils boss Domenico Tedesco will address the matter during his press conference today
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