Casagrande accuses Memphis of 'using' Corinthians after fresh injury absence | OneFootball

Memphis Depay will miss Corinthians’ Libertadores trip to Peñarol on Thursday after calf discomfort, extending nearly two months out. The fresh absence prompted sharp criticism from club idol Walter Casagrande.

“He has no emotional bond with Corinthians. He applied himself at first because he was out of the national team, but after his recall he stopped playing away, was always ‘feeling’ something and started calling the shots. He wants to return to Europe,” Casagrande said on UOL News Esporte.

Memphis last played on 22 March, a 1-1 draw with Flamengo at Neo Química Arena, when he went off after 22 minutes with a right thigh problem. Days later, the club confirmed a grade two injury sustained in the move that led to Yuri Alberto’s goal.

In April, his condition worsened after an error in physical preparation during a gym session at CT Dr Joaquim Grava. Near the end of recovery he again felt pain. Prepared at least to be on the bench against Peñarol, he then reported calf discomfort, though he returned to group training on Wednesday.

He is in the final month of a deal that expires on 20 June 2026. With debt around R$ three billion, renewal is uncertain, not least due to his wages and roughly R$ 40 million in outstanding bonuses.

Memphis is also awaiting the Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup. Ronald Koeman has set that the forward needs to feature in at least one Corinthians match before the tournament, with the announcement due on 27 May. Before then, Corinthians face Peñarol on Thursday, Atlético-MG on Sunday and Platense on 27, then Grêmio on 30, when he is due to report to the national team.

Source: Meu Timao