The Netherlands say goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and forward Memphis Depay are both ready for their World Cup Group F opener against Japan. Coach Ronald Koeman tells reporters ahead of the match that his entire squad is fit. Verbruggen’s availability had been uncertain after he hurt his hip in a collision during a tune-up match against Uzbekistan on Monday. After that injury, he is reportedly kept out of training on Wednesday, raising doubts about whether he would start. However, as the opener approaches, the team indicates he has recovered sufficiently to be available. Depay, who is identified as the Netherlands’ top scorer, is also expected to play. The reports frame the situation as a late-turnaround from earlier fitness concerns for Verbruggen, while Koeman’s comments suggest the Netherlands enter the Japan match without additional injury worries within the squad.
Netherlands expect fit Depay and Verbruggen for World Cup opener vs Japan
The Netherlands say goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and forward Memphis Depay are both ready for their World Cup Group F opener against Japan. Coach Ronald Koeman tells reporters ahead of the match that hi...
- The Netherlands’ World Cup opener is against Japan in Group F.
- Coach Ronald Koeman says the Netherlands’ entire team is fit for the match.
- Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is expected to be available after a hip injury concern.
- Verbruggen hurt his hip in a collision during a tune-up match against Uzbekistan.
- Forward Memphis Depay, described as the Netherlands’ top scorer, is also expected to play.
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup The Netherlands will have goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and top scorer Memphis Depay both ready to play in the team's World Cup opener. Coach Ronald Koeman said Saturday, on the eve of the Group F game against Japan, that his entire team is fit. The status of Verbruggen was in question after he hurt his hip in a collision during a tune-up match with Uzbekistan on Monday, and then was held out of training Wednesday.
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