Netherlands forward Memphis Depay is unlikely to feature in upcoming World Cup warm-up matches against Norway and Ecuador, coach Ronald Koeman confirmed Monday.
Depay, the national team’s all-time top scorer with 55 goals, exited Sunday’s match for Brazilian club Corinthians after just 20 minutes with an injury. He underwent a scan Monday, but results are pending.
"He can still travel over, but it doesn't look good," Koeman said at a press conference.
The 32-year-old joins a growing list of injured Dutch players, including Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Emmanuel Emegha, Justin Kluivert, and goalkeeper Robin Roefs. Defender Jurrien Timber also withdrew, replaced by Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida.
"They are dropping out in droves," Koeman remarked. "We’re getting used to it."
The Netherlands face Norway in Amsterdam on Friday and Ecuador in Eindhoven next Tuesday as they prepare for the 2026 World Cout hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Koeman expressed disappointment that Norway will rest Erling Haaland, calling him "the best striker in Europe."
"We need to be very careful with the players," Koeman added. "They come in with all kinds of complaints."