Memphis Depay should be one of the Netherlands’ leaders at the 2026 World Cup, but his trip to North America is questionable. The Corinthians striker is suffering from another round of health problems, having not played since the end of March, and there is increasingly little time to convince Ronald Koeman before the final squad is announced.
Memphis Depay is racing against time ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Depay will not be able to return to regular play for several weeks. The Corinthians striker had just suffered a muscle injury, but another problem emerged, this time in his other leg. A thigh problem meant he was not included in the Brazilian club’s squad for the league game.
The 32-year-old will also miss the Copa Libertadores against CA Peñarol in Uruguay. This is a worrying sign as the World Cup approaches and each subsequent game without Depay adds to doubts about his physical readiness. This will be the player’s third appearance at the World Championships, but it is currently unknown whether he will board the plane to North America.
Corinthians does not want to take risks with the striker’s health
The Brazilian club is facing this situation with caution. Depay has not yet fully recovered, and Corinthians staff have no intention of rushing his return due to the risk of aggravating the injury. This is understandable, especially since muscle problems in offensive players can quickly return if the body is not properly prepared.
However, there are various interpretations regarding the Dutch player’s absence. One of them thinks that the striker is deliberately saving his energy ahead of the World Cup and does not want to take unnecessary risks at the club. According to this version, the priority is to fully recover before the tournament, even if that means missing Corinthians’ next game.
Ronald Koeman is waiting for a decision
Koeman is closely monitoring Depay’s situation. The Dutch national team coach will announce his final squad on May 27, so there is little time to improve the mood around the striker. For now, coaches don’t need to make any hasty decisions, but a lack of match rhythm may be important in selecting the final roster.
Depay last played in a competitive match at the end of March. This season, he played 12 matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist. This is no small achievement for a player who has been one of the Oranje’s most important figures for many years.
The Dutch top scorer is under pressure
Depay’s importance to the national team cannot be questioned anymore. He is the top scorer in Dutch history with 55 goals. His experience, technique and ability to play between formations can be invaluable to a team, especially in tournaments where one flash can decide a tough game.
The problem is that a name is no substitute for fitness and health. Koeman will have to assess whether taking Depay would be a reasonable risk or too much of a burden on a squad with limited places. In situations like these, every bit of training and every bit of medical information can be important.
The Netherlands already knows its group rivals
At the 2026 World Cup, the Netherlands is in group F. Its rivals are Japan, Sweden and Tunisia. Before the tournament, Oranje will play friendly matches with Algeria and Uzbekistan, which will help the team’s final preparations.
For Depay, these matches could be an opportunity to regain his rhythm, but he must recover first. If he does not arrive on time, the Dutch may lose one of their most experienced offensive leaders before the start of the World Cup.
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