Courtois’s decision follows a conversation with Van Bommel over selection. The goalkeeper’s position, as outlined in his explanation, is that he wants to compete for the role rather than receive assurances before a ball is kicked.
That stance creates an unusual situation for Belgium. Courtois remains one of the country’s most established players, but Van Bommel has made clear that reputation alone will not determine his starting goalkeeper.
The 115-cap international is also leaving the door open to a return. He could reportedly step in earlier if Belgium suffer an injury crisis, while his broader intention is to challenge for his place again during the next European Championship qualifying campaign.
Van Bommel must now choose between a new generation of goalkeeping options. Senne Lammens, who is with Manchester United, and Mike Penders of Chelsea are among the candidates named for the Nations League squad.
Neither carries Courtois’s international authority, but that may be precisely the point. The new manager has the chance to establish a goalkeeper on his own terms, rather than simply restoring the veteran to the position he held for years.
A strong Nations League campaign could also change the balance permanently. Courtois has accepted that a goalkeeper who performs well may retain the shirt when the qualifiers arrive.
The Italy opener will therefore be more than a routine Nations League fixture. It will reveal whether Belgium can move forward confidently without Courtois and whether Van Bommel has identified a long-term successor.
For Courtois, the next challenge is equally clear: maintain his level at Real Madrid, wait for the right international opportunity and prove that Belgium’s number one can still be him.