Koeman warns Memphis over fitness before World Cup call-up | OneFootball

Ronald Koeman has warned that Memphis must be in ideal physical condition to make the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.

According to Meu Timao, the Corinthians forward is recovering from a grade two right thigh injury, with about eight weeks until the final squad is named in Zeist at the end of May.

Koeman said he would only add the required value if he is in top shape. Memphis attended the national team session and had lunch with team-mates, and the coach said such visits are welcome.

The manager said he is not yet at the required level because he is not playing. He told Memphis time will pass quickly and praised his positive outlook. He also pointed to a busy club schedule, about one game every three days.

Koeman rejected Wim Kieft’s claim that a fully fit Memphis could match Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé. He called it exaggerated, saying Memphis is valuable but hampered by injuries, while Ronaldo and Messi are on a different plane.

The injury came in Corinthians’ draw with Flamengo and led to his removal from the Netherlands’ initial call-up. He began rehab in Europe, with plans to continue at CT Dr Joaquim Grava after the international window.

It is his seventh medical issue since joining Corinthians. He has one goal and one assist in 12 appearances and missed time earlier this season for muscle rebalancing.

He will miss Corinthians’ next game, away to Fluminense at 21:30 on Wednesday at the Maracanã, in round nine of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Source: Meu Timao