Dorival urges caution over Memphis Depay return at Corinthians | OneFootball

Corinthians coach Dorival Júnior said it is still too soon for Memphis Depay to return, urging caution after the 1-1 draw with Santos.

According to UOL Esporte, the club are also holding the Dutch forward back so he can reach full fitness for the Supercopa do Brasil against Flamengo on one February at 16:00 at Mané Garrincha in Brasília.

Memphis has not played since 21 December 2025, when he scored the decisive second goal in the 2-1 Copa do Brasil final win over Vasco at the Maracanã, sealing Corinthians’ fourth title.

He began pre-season on five January with indoor work at CT Dr Joaquim Grava as part of physical recovery and muscle strengthening. After a bone oedema in his left knee in late November 2025, he returned for last season’s finals, and is now in a tailored plan while regaining muscular balance, despite rejoining group training.

Dorival avoided confirming any selection for Brasília and stressed the need to manage a thin squad through a congested schedule with short recovery time. Before the Supercopa, Corinthians face Velo Clube in Rio Claro in the Paulista, then Bahia in Santos in their Brasileirão opener.

Source: Meu Timao