Ronald Koeman provides new update on Memphis Depay's World Cup participation: 'I'm counting on it'

Memphis Depay hasn't featured for his Brazilian club Corinthians since mid-March, still grappling with a persistent hamstring injury. National coach Ronald Koeman had previously hinted that Depay needed to be playing to be considered for the World Cup squad, but later softened his stance. Koeman is set to provide a new update on Monday.

"There's a chance Memphis will be included," Koeman stated on the Rondo talk show on Ziggo Sport. "He has three matches left before we gather. He needs to get minutes in those games." The national coach acknowledges that time is running out, but remains optimistic.

"I'm assuming he'll get minutes, and perhaps even play ninety minutes in the last match. Then we'll still have two weeks until the game against Japan," Koeman added. He still seems to be banking on Depay's return, making his World Cup participation almost certain, unless the prolific forward misses all remaining matches.

Depay's Corinthians will play away in Uruguay next week in the Copa Libertadores group stage. Following that, there are also league matches scheduled in Brazil. All hopes are pinned on Memphis being back in action for the May 24th clash against Atlético Mineiro. If he has to sit out that game as well, the situation will become very precarious.

Regarding Frenkie de Jong, who is also not fully fit, Koeman offered a more hopeful update. "No, that's not a concern. We would have preferred him to have played. We expect him to play on Saturday," said the national coach. Barcelona plays their final match of the season next weekend, away at Valencia.