Memphis muscle issue again, out for Corinthians v Peñarol, Atlético-MG | OneFootball

Corinthians have a new concern involving Memphis Depay on the eve of a decisive stretch of the season and the World Cup. As reported by Henrique Vigliotti of Central do Timão, directly from CT Joaquim Grava, the Dutch forward will miss the matches against Peñarol, in the Copa Libertadores, and Atlético-MG, in the Brazilian Championship. The information was first revealed during an exclusive Central do Timão live stream.

Memphis had made progress in recovering from the grade 2 muscle injury suffered in his right thigh during the match against Flamengo in March, and was already doing work aimed at returning to the pitch. However, while preparing to play again, the No. 10 suffered a new muscle contracture, this time in his left leg.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Corinthians Agency

As a result, the club’s medical department decided to keep the player out of the next fixtures. The internal expectation is that Memphis will try to return for the match against Platense of Argentina, scheduled for May 27 in the Copa Libertadores.

The situation also has a direct impact on the Dutch national team. This Monday (18), head coach Ronald Koeman commented on the forward’s physical condition and made it clear that the player’s presence at the World Cup will depend on his minutes in the remaining matches before the final squad announcement.

“There is a chance that Memphis will be there. He still has three games before the call-up. He needs to play in them. Then I will take him (to the World Cup),” the coach said in an interview with the program Rondo on Ziggo Sport.

The all-time top scorer in the history of the Netherlands national team, Memphis is racing against time to convince the coaching staff that he will be physically fit to play in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The final Dutch squad list will be announced on May 27. The European side is in Group F of the competition, alongside Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.

In addition to the sporting concern, the forward’s future at Corinthians also remains uncertain. The player’s contract with the club runs until June 20, and the club’s board is still looking for partners to fully cover the player’s wages in a possible extension. Meanwhile, Memphis continues treatment at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava and will be re-evaluated daily by Corinthians’ medical department.

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