{
  "id": 8401644,
  "title": "Belgium coach explains chat with Real Madrid veteran after Nations League exclusion: ‘If anything happens…’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/belgium-coach-explains-chat-with-real-madrid-veteran-after-nations",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-19T06:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/belgium-coach-explains-chat-real-064500046.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Belgium coach Mark van Bommel explained his conversation with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois following the veteran's exclusion from the first Belgium squad for the Nations League matches. Courtois will not be part of the first squad, having reached an agreement with Van Bommel to sit out the upcoming fixtures in order to prioritize his workload and recovery after a demanding period with Real Madrid.\n\nThe meeting between the coach and Courtois took place in Madrid, where both sides agreed that the 34-year-old would remain out of the squad for the upcoming fixtures. However, Van Bommel has not ruled out the possibility of Courtois returning if the Belgian team faces an injury crisis. He emphasized that Courtois is still among the best goalkeepers in the world, despite the decision to leave him out of the current squad.\n\nVan Bommel assured that they would remain in contact and assess the situation if any changes occur between now and then. The Belgian goalkeeper has voluntarily decided not to play in the Nations League matches, including the Final Four, unless the national team faces an exceptional injury crisis. As a result, Courtois now has an opportunity to use international breaks for recovery, training, and reducing the physical demands placed on him during the club season.",
  "summary": "Thibaut Courtois will not be part of Mark van Bommel’s first Belgium squad, with the Real Madrid goalkeeper sitting out the upcoming Nations League fixtures after reaching an agreement with the new ...",
  "key_points": [
    "Belgium coach Mark van Bommel discussed Courtois' exclusion from the Nations League squad.",
    "Thibaut Courtois agreed to sit out upcoming fixtures to focus on recovery.",
    "Coach open to Courtois' return if injury crisis arises."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Belgium coach Mark van Bommel's agreement with Thibaut Courtois to sit out Nations League matches allows the goalkeeper to prioritize recovery, but leaves the door open for his return in case of an injury crisis.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Mourinho's Real Madrid lacking control before Atletico derby",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/mourinhos-real-madrid-lacking-control-before-atletico-derby",
        "published": "2026-09-19T01:54:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Mourinho wants Real Madrid to stop losing control before Atletico derby",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/mourinho-wants-real-madrid-to-stop-losing-control-before-atletico",
        "published": "2026-09-19T03:13:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "In-form Real Madrid talent set to keep starting spot vs Atletico despite Bellingham’s return – report",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/in-form-real-madrid-talent-set-to-keep-starting-spot-vs-atletico",
        "published": "2026-09-19T07:10:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}