Corinthians step up care over Memphis Depay’s fitness with Libertadores and World Cup in mind | OneFootball

Corinthians have intensified care around Memphis Depay’s conditioning at CT Joaquim Grava amid a heavy early season schedule. On Sunday, Dorival Júnior said the forward is still short of full physical sharpness.

According to Globo.com, Memphis met Dorival Júnior in the first week of January to seek greater understanding over his use early in the season. He has targeted being in peak condition for the Conmebol Libertadores and the World Cup.

After 52 days in 2026, the No 10 has seven games, 525 minutes, one assist and no goals. His notable moment was a missed penalty against Palmeiras at Neo Química Arena.

His start has been attributed to Brazil’s schedule limiting preparation and offering minimal recovery between matches.

Despite plans to protect him, Corinthians have had little scope to rest Memphis. They have already contested the Supercopa Rei, played three clássicos in the Campeonato Paulista group phase, a state knockout, and three Brasileirão rounds, a football department priority.

In response, the club have set up a four pillar programme, daily assessments, constant dialogue, training load control and recovery outside working hours. He is praised for his work ethic and follows medical, physio, nutrition and fitness guidance away from the club.

The medical team accept a risk of injury in the coming weeks as his body shows fatigue, a pattern shared by others. Internally, the expectation is he will only be fully fit in late March or early April, in the week the club begin the Conmebol Libertadores group stage.

Source: Globo.com