Belgium’s World Cup qualifying campaign faces an early blow as star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois withdraws from the squad due to a back injury.
Diagnosed with sacroiliitis, an inflammation where the lower back meets the pelvis, Courtois will miss Belgium’s opening two qualifiers.
His club, Real Madrid, confirmed the injury, and both Real Madrid and the Royal Belgian Football Association have concluded he’s “not fit for the upcoming internationals.”
This injury also puts his participation in the Club World Cup in the United States, where Real Madrid plays on June 18, in jeopardy.
Uncapped Nordin Jackers of Club Brugge will replace Courtois in the squad.
Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels is expected to start in goal for Belgium’s matches against North Macedonia on Friday and Wales next Monday.
