Thibaut Courtois absent from Chelsea training as Real Madrid link remains

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois failed to report for training on Monday as doubts over his future at Stamford Bridge intensified.

Press Association Sport understands the 26-year-old was absent from the Blues’ Cobham training base despite being due to make his return from a summer break.

Courtois, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, was handed an extended holiday after helping Belgium to a third-place finish at the World Cup.

Chelsea are reportedly looking at the likes of Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak and Jack Butland of Stoke as potential replacements should Courtois depart.

Courtois’ Belgian team-mate Eden Hazard is also being linked with a move away but Willian insists he is happy at the club despite revealing Barcelona made an approach for his services.

“I’m a Chelsea player,” Willian told ESPN Brasil.

“I always made it clear that what I wanted was to stay in the club. The only club I knew that really made an official offer for me was Barcelona.

“But I have my head here and I intend to continue in the club unless the club wants to sell me. But my head is here in the club.”

After the Wembley clash, he said he would sanction Courtois’ departure if the goalkeeper expresses a desire to leave.

The transfer window for incoming players to Premier League clubs closes this Thursday, so time is against Chelsea if they are to recruit any would-be replacements.

Chelsea defender David Luiz has urged Courtois and Hazard to stay, while insisting the club have enough quality even if the pair leave.

“They know Chelsea a lot, so they know what they’ve had here, the fun they’ve had here. Everybody loves them and I hope they can stay.

“If they decide to leave, I think we will continue with fantastic players.”