Dorival Júnior confirms Memphis Depay return for Corinthians against Bahia | OneFootball

Memphis Depay will be available for Corinthians’ next match, Dorival Júnior has said.

According to Meu Timao, the 2026 Campeonato Brasileiro opener is against Bahia at Vila Belmiro on Wednesday at 20:00, with Dorival speaking after a 1-0 win over Velo Clube in Rio Claro in the Paulistão fifth round.

Depay has not played this year, focusing on specific muscle strengthening since pre-season. He played through the end of 2025, notably in the Copa do Brasil finals, scoring the title-winning goal in the 2-1 victory over Vasco.

He missed games against Ponte Preta, Red Bull Bragantino, São Paulo, Santos and Velo Clube. Physical issues marked 2025, most recently oedema in his left knee, which saw him protected late in the Brasileiro and at the start of this year. He returned to ball work with the squad last Tuesday.

The Dutchman has 19 goals and 15 assists in 56 appearances, plus the 2025 Paulista and Copa do Brasil titles. The expectation is that he could get minutes against Bahia, aiming to be fully ready for the Supercopa do Brasil against Flamengo next Sunday at 16:00 at Mané Garrincha.

Midfielder José Martínez remains absent. He has yet to report in 2026 while renewing his passport in Venezuela, a process delayed by administrative hurdles after the United States invasion, which paralysed public services and prevented him completing the paperwork on time.

Dorival said the matter could have been resolved earlier, stressing he has no issue with Martínez but calling the delay unusual. Football executive Marcelo Paz said before kick-off the player is still awaiting the document and expects it to be cleared early this week so Martínez can join the group.

Source: Meu Timao