Lukaku would welcome Courtois' return to the national team

Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku said he would be happy to have Thibaut Courtois back in the national team after the goalkeeper left the team in June. Overlooked for the role of reserve captain, Courtois refused to play in June's European Championship qualifier against Estonia, according to coach Domenico Tedesco, who this week said he had had no contact with the Real Madrid goalkeeper since.

The guard tore ligaments in his knee and underwent surgery in August. Earlier this week, Belgium defender Timothée Castan said he did not think Courtois could return to the team without any explanation. However, Lukaku expressed a different opinion. "I want to say with all my heart - we have to put what happened behind us. The day Thibault decides to come back, he will just come back. If that happens, he will still be extremely important to the team." , he told a news conference as Belgium prepare for their next qualifier against Austria in Vienna on Friday.

"Then Thibaut will answer alone in the dressing room. You know, I would like to call on the media not to constantly write that Thibaut Courtois or any other player said this or did that. We have to put an end to these questions. I wish Thibaut has a good recovery, that's the most important thing now and if he comes back, I'll be the first to welcome him with open arms," added Lukaku. Lukaku was named captain in place of Courtois in June, replacing the injured Kevin De Bruyne. "This captain's armband is symbolic. There are several players here who can take on such a responsibility themselves," said the Roma striker.