Memphis Depay
CF
Playmaking Forward
Feb 13, 1994 (32)
Right
5'10"
172 lb
In contention to start opener
Depay (thigh) has been declared fit enough to start Sunday's World Cup opener against Japan, though his place in the starting lineup has not yet been confirmed, according to coach Ronald Koeman, per Telegraaf NL. "Memphis is fit. He would be able to start the game. The past ten days, from the start of our tournament preparation, his fitness has increased. So he has progressed well. Things are looking good. He is an important player. He has been so for a very long time and he is a key part to our possible success in this World Cup. He is important for that."
Analysis: Depay had made just three appearances since suffering a right thigh injury on March 22 during a Corinthians match against Flamengo, and sat out Monday's friendly win over Uzbekistan as the coaching staff managed his workload carefully. His progression over the final ten days of preparation has been sufficient to put him in contention for a starting role, a significant boost for the Netherlands heading into their Group F campaign. The 32-year-old is his country's all-time leading scorer with 55 goals, and his availability gives Koeman a key attacking weapon as the Netherlands look to go one step further than their semifinal exit at Euro 2024.
Returns to action ahead of World Cup
Depay (thigh) came off the bench to play 30 minutes against Atletico Mineiro on Sunday and has been officially named in the Netherlands' World Cup squad.
Analysis: Depay's return to competitive action is a significant development after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a persistent thigh injury that had threatened his participation in the tournament. The 30 minutes logged against Atletico Mineiro gave coach Ronald Koeman the evidence he needed to include the forward in the squad, with Depay's fitness clearly having progressed sufficiently despite the complications that had emerged earlier in his recovery. The Dutch all-time leading scorer will now join the national team setup in Zeist on May 30, with the focus firmly on building his match sharpness ahead of the World Cup. His inclusion is a major boost for the Netherlands, who will be counting on his experience and goal-scoring instinct to make an impact during the tournament.
Thigh issue complicates return
Depay (thigh) suffered a new setback in his recovery Monday after feeling pain in his other leg, ruling him out of Thursday's Copa Libertadores clash against Penarol and Sunday's fixture against Atletico Mineiro, according to Planeta do Futebol.
Analysis: Depay has been sidelined since late March with a persistent thigh injury, and this latest complication further delays his return to competitive action with less than a month until the World Cup begins. Corinthians are taking no risks with the Dutch forward, acutely aware that another significant setback could jeopardize his participation in the tournament and potentially end his stint at the club given his contract expires this summer. Coach Ronald Koeman remains cautiously optimistic about his availability for the Netherlands, suggesting he could work up to 90 minutes in the final club fixture if all goes well, but acknowledged he needs to start playing soon. Depay, the all-time leading scorer for the Dutch national team, is reportedly frustrated by the situation, desperate to prove his fitness before the squad converges in Zeist on May 30.
Nearing return
Depay (strain) is expected to return in Sunday's match against Botafogo, according to Vitor Chicarolli of ge.globo.com.
Analysis: Depay is in the final stretch of his recovery and is nearing a return to play, as he is expected to take the field with Corinthians again this season. The club expects him to join them for a match this Sunday, a huge move as they get him back on the field ahead of the World Cup. The Netherlands international will then have no limitations heading into the tournament, a bright sign for Ronald Koeman and the rest of the Dutch squad.
Recovering from muscle injury
Depay has been out for a month with a muscle injury but is nearing a return to play, according to Victor Chicarolli of Globo.com.
Analysis: Depay made his way back to the training field this week as he tries to return from a muscle injury, appearing to be nearing a return soon. This is good news for the forward but bigger news for the Dutch national team, as the forward appears as if he will be fit in time for the World Cup. He has played a solid role in his two World Cups thus far, appearing in nine games while scoring three goals and one assist between 2014 and 2022.
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