Depay never doubt he would be fit in time for World Cup
Memphis Depay said his recovery took longer than expected, but he returned to action for Corinthians and will use two warm-up games to regain fitness.
- Netherlands record scorer Memphis Depay confirmed on Monday he never doubted making the World Cup squad, dismissing fitness concerns despite a lengthy thigh injury that sidelined him since March.
- The 32-year-old returned to action last week for his Brazilian club Corinthians after the thigh injury, though Brazilian media alleged mistakes in his rehabilitation programme set back recovery.
- With 108 caps and 55 goals for the Dutch national team, Depay competed in the 2014 and 2022 World Cups, losing on penalties both times against Argentina.
- He will seek match fitness during two warm-up games: facing Algeria in Rotterdam on Wednesday and playing Uzbekistan in New York next Monday.
- The Netherlands face Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia in their first round group; while not top favorites, Depay stated few countries would relish facing the Dutch.
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Channel News Asia
The Straits TimesDepay never doubt he would be fit in time for World Cup
AMSTERDAM, June 1 : Netherlands record scorer Memphis Depay said he never doubted he would make his country’s World Cup squad despite concerns he would not be fit in time.The 32-year-old, who has scored 55 goals for the Dutch national team and competed at the 2014 and 2022 World Cups, returned to action las
Memphis Depay is ready for the 2026 World Cup. The Dutch national team's all-time top scorer is not at all worried about his lack of playing time in recent months.
Memphis Depay never feared he would miss the World Cup due to his hamstring injury, although the recovery did take longer than expected "for certain reasons". The 32-year-old forward is ready to go for the world title at his fifth major tournament.
ed.nl
Once again, Memphis Depay was racing against time to make it to a major tournament with the Netherlands. Nevertheless, two weeks before the start of the World Cup, the all-time top scorer remains confident about his own form and fitness. "People sometimes say about the football in Brazil: slow tempo. But just try playing there yourself."
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