Netherlands boss sends message to Memphis ahead of the World Cup | OneFootball

This Monday, Ronald Koeman sent a message to Memphis Depay. The Netherlands national team coach stressed the importance of the Corinthians forward being in peak physical condition to play in the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for June in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Memphis is dealing with a muscle injury in his right thigh and, because of that, was left out of the Netherlands’ friendlies. Even so, the player traveled to the country to begin treatment with the national team’s medical staff.

“He went through training and had lunch with us,” the coach said. “I also told him: before you know it, it will already be time (for the World Cup). He needs to be in great shape, otherwise he won’t be the difference-maker he should be. But I don’t think Memphis gets scared that easily,” he added.

Memphis injury

Memphis Depay’s injury was confirmed by Corinthians last Monday. Despite the issue, the player traveled to the Netherlands at the request of Koeman’s coaching staff. He began treatment with the national team’s medical department.

Memphis Depay suffered the injury shortly after Corinthians’ equalizing goal in the match against Flamengo on March 22, around the 18th minute of the first half. The Dutchman was involved in the play by switching the ball to Matheus Bidu and, right after that, grabbed his right leg.

When play was stopped for Flamengo’s restart, Memphis signaled to Timão’s bench and asked to be substituted. He went straight down to the locker room and returned to the bench in the second half.

So far this season, the forward has just one goal in 12 matches wearing the black-and-white shirt, along with one assist. As usual, the club did not disclose a recovery timeline for the forward.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.