The Netherlands forward had been battling a hamstring injury.
There were doubts about whether Memphis Depay, still recovering from the injury, would be able to play in the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches. However, the experienced forward recovered in time, dispelling the uncertainty and securing his spot in the Netherlands squad.
The Netherlands team will face Poland and Lithuania in the first week of September. Coach Ronald Koeman announced a 25-man squad for the two matches on Friday.
Depay, a former Barcelona and Manchester United star, is currently playing for Brazilian club Corinthians. Earlier this month, he suffered a hamstring injury in the second leg of the Brazilian Cup round of 16 against Palmeiras.
He spent 20 days off the field recovering. On Wednesday, the 31-year-old returned to action, playing 12 minutes in Corinthians’ 1-0 win over Athletico Paranaense in the first leg of the quarter-finals.
Now it’s time for Depay to represent his national team. He has the chance to claim the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer record on his own. Currently, he shares the top spot with Robin van Persie, both having scored 50 goals in 102 matches.
Koeman’s squad for the upcoming qualifiers also includes Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Uppas and Feyenoord captain Sem Steijn, both called up to the national team for the first time.
Liverpool’s Jeremie Frimpong is absent from the squad due to a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old right-back will miss the qualifiers.
The Netherlands will face Poland at home next Thursday, followed by an away match against Lithuania on September 7.
Currently, the Netherlands sit second in Group G of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, having won their first two matches.
