Memphis Depay’s return delayed after Corinthians error as he targets World Cup fitness | OneFootball

Memphis Depay’s relationship with sections of Corinthians’ permanent staff has become strained after a fitness-team error in a gym drill at CT Joaquim Grava aggravated his right thigh injury and delayed his return by two weeks, according to Globo.com.

The medical department is working to have him ready for 30 April against Peñarol at Neo Química Arena, the third round of the Conmebol Libertadores group stage.

He believes the mistake has set him back by 18 days.

Depay had planned to get minutes in the derby with Palmeiras last Sunday, then be available to Fernando Diniz for Wednesday’s Libertadores match against Independiente Santa Fe of Colombia.

The club had initially mapped out a four-week recovery and expected him for the Copa do Brasil opener against Barra, from Santa Catarina, on 21 April, so by the club’s count the delay is nine days.

Beyond missing games and losing ground in his rehab, the forward is also unsettled because of the World Cup. He believes he can make an impact at the tournament and wants to arrive in top condition to play a leading role for the Netherlands.

Source: Globo.com