BRUSSELS/MADRID: Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has made himself available for selection for Belgium again and is likely to make his return in next month’s two-leg Nations League playoff against Ukraine.

Courtois had refused to play under previous coach Domenico Tedesco but now that Tedesco has been fired the way is clear for the Madrid goalkeeper to regain his place.

In a podcast interview with Rio Ferdinand he said: “I missed the national team but now I am ready to return.”

Courtois, 32, has talked to new coach Rudi Garcia who said last month Garcia said he was keen to being him back following the self-imposed exile.

He has not played for the side since June 2023 after being overlooked for the captaincy by Tedesco.

Belgium meet Ukraine in a two-legged Nations League playoff next month.

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