The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Courtois’ absence puts Blues future in doubt
Belgian keeper linked with Real Madrid move
Thibaut Courtois’ future at Chelsea appears more uncertain after the goalkeeper failed to turn up for training for a second day running, according to reports.
The 26-year-old, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, was handed an extended holiday after finishing third at the World Cup with Belgium.
However, Courtois was expected to return to the Blues’ Cobham training base on Monday, but did not attend.
Reports suggested he was also absent yesterday, having told new manager Maurizio Sarri he wanted to leave the club before tomorrow’s transfer deadline.
Should Courtois – signed from Genk in July 2011 before spending a threeseason loan spell with Atletico Madrid – not resume training with the Blues, he is likely to face an internal disciplinary meeting and the potential of a fine of up to two weeks wages.
The likes of Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid and Stoke’s Jack Butland are potential replacements should Courtois depart, but all parties are up against the transfer deadline to get any potential deals completed.
Chelsea, meanwhile, could also be set to make another addition to the squad with a loan deal for midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain.
The Blues, beaten in the FA Community Shield by Manchester City last weekend, complete their pre-season games against Lyon at Stamford Bridge last night.
Meanwhile, Joe Hart feels he has found the perfect club to kickstart his career after joining Burnley from Manchester City.
England’s former number one has signed a two-year deal at Turf Moor after bringing to an end his 12-year association with City.
The two-time Premier League winner had spent the past two seasons on loan at Torino and West Ham after falling down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium.
The 31-year-old told Clarets Player: “I feel like I’m in the right place and I feel like this is my time to kick on now. Everything has really impressed me. I’ve heard such good things about the atmosphere.
“I heard that was the vibe and I’ve come here first day and you can just see it – it just stinks of it.
“Everyone wants to play for each other, everyone wants to win and everyone wants to do their best.”
Burnley, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, emerged as an unlikely destination for Hart after injuries to Nick Pope and Tom Heaton, both also England internationals.
Pope, part of England’s squad at the World Cup this summer, dislocated his shoulder in the recent Europa League qualifier at Aberdeen.
With Heaton returning to fitness after a calf strain, Hart will face tough competition for a place but Dyche is convinced he is ready for that challenge.