Courtois Clarifies Absence After Coach's Criticisms, Insisting Injury Kept Him From National Team

Thibaut Courtois questioned his coach's accusations that he abandoned his teammates and faked an injury.
Domenico Tedesco claimed Courtois skipped training because he was "offended" about how the captaincy was handled.
Courtois said he has a knee problem and left after consulting medical staff from his club and country.
Romelu Lukaku was captain in Courtois' absence and scored in a 1-1 draw with Austria that Courtois was praised for helping secure.
Belgium trails Austria in European Championship qualifying but has a game in hand ahead of facing Estonia.