Ah, the international break, a time when club managers panic about what happens with their stars whilst away from home.
In Spain it was dubbed the FIFA Virus some years ago and every international break there seems to be another victim. Juventus this week saw Sami Khedira injured in Germany’s match against Spain, and there’s big doubts over what part he can play in the season run-in.
For Chelsea, there’s also bad news, but a slightly different situation. Thibaut Courtois hasn’t been injured whilst playing for Belgium, but rather he’s not been able to shake off a hamstring issue.
Belgium only have one friendly planned this break, against Saudi Arabia, but the Chelsea goalkeeper won’t be taking part.
⚽️ @thibautcourtois has not recovered from his hamstring injury and left the group. R. Martínez will decide later on who will replace him in the goal 🆚️ @saudiFF. Get well soon, Thibaut ! 👍🏼 #BELKSA #REDTOGETHER 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/xAt9f1soPw
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) March 25, 2018
Belgium have officially announced Courtois hasn’t recovered from a hamstring injury and has left the national team group, sending him back to Chelsea.
Belgium will likely use Simon Mignolet instead and whilst it’s not a big blow for the national side, it could prove to be a bigger deal for Chelsea.
