Reported Tottenham Hotspur target Koen Casteels will miss the European Championship as he requires surgery to solve a long-standing injury, as reported by BuliNews.
After the greatest season of his career, one of the game’s most in-form goalkeepers deserved a chance to fight for international glory alongside Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans and co.
But Casteels will be forced to watch from the comfort of his own sofa instead.
The Wolfsburg stopper will undergo surgery to remove a plate inserted at the start of the 2018/19 season.
And, while understandably disappointed, the 28-year-old is determined to come back stronger.
“Of course it’s a pity I will miss the European Championship,” Casteels reflects.
“But, unfortunately, no other decision was possible because the plate has caused me permanent great pain for almost two years.
“My goal now is to get fit again as quickly as possible after the operation so I can start preparing for the new season pain-free.”
In March, the Daily Mail reported Spurs had identified the 6ft 6in goalie as a potential replacement for the ageing Hugo Lloris in north London.
While Casteels has done his best to play down the speculation, his virtuoso performances at a well-drilled Wolfsburg side means he’s unlikely to be out of the gossip columns for long.
And, fortunately for Roberto Martinez, his Belgium side doesn’t lack top-class goalkeeping talent.
Thibaut Courtois is perhaps the finest number one on planet earth right now while, in Simon Mignolet, the Rode Duivels have an experienced back-up with 30 caps under his belt.
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