Xavi Hernández explains Memphis omission and keeps door open for Corinthians striker | OneFootball

Xavi Hernández has omitted Memphis from his first Netherlands squad and addressed the decision on Monday morning, according to Meu Timao.

He said his toughest early call was informing the Corinthians number 10 of his absence. The coach praised Memphis for a mature response, stressed his respect, and said a return is possible if the striker performs and is in good condition.

Xavi and Memphis first worked together at Barcelona from November 2021, when the coach made his debut with a 1-0 win over Espanyol sealed by a Memphis penalty. The forward then lost minutes the following season and moved to Atlético de Madrid in early 2023.

After the Netherlands were knocked out by Morocco in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, Xavi took the national job. He named his first squad last Friday, selecting attacking options such as Summerville, Brobbey, Gakpo, Noa Lang and Donyel Mallen. The list arrived the morning after Corinthians’ Libertadores exit, shaped by a stoppage-time penalty miss from Memphis.

Memphis is working back towards peak fitness after a long lay-off. Following the World Cup he took time off to handle his contract renewal with Corinthians, returning only on 20 August against Rosario Central, more than a month after his last Netherlands appearance.

During this international window he will have time to recover and help Corinthians in their fight against relegation. The club have six straight defeats in the Brasileirão and sit 14th on 32 points, with their next match away to Internacional in Rio Grande do Sul on 7 October at 19:30.

Source: Meu Timao

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