The Netherlands have announced their squad for next month's World Cup, with star striker Memphis Depay and Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber both making the cut despite significant fitness concerns. The decision was confirmed by coach Ronald Koeman ahead of his press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
Depay and Timber Included Despite Injuries
Depay, 32, the nation's all-time leading scorer with 55 goals, has been battling thigh and calf injuries. He has managed only two substitute appearances for his Brazilian club Corinthians over the past two months, raising questions about his match readiness.
Similarly, Jurrien Timber's inclusion is notable given his recent injury woes. The 24-year-old returned to training with Arsenal this week, just in time for Saturday’s Champions League final. He was sidelined after being forced off during a match against Everton in mid-March, subsequently missing 14 games across all competitions due to a groin problem.
Other Notable Selections and Omissions
Other selections of interest include Justin Kluivert, who has only made two substitute appearances for Bournemouth since recovering from knee surgery in January. Noa Lang also features, having overcome a peculiar finger injury sustained while playing for Galatasaray against Liverpool in the Champions League in March. West Ham United's Crysencio Summerville and Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs are both uncapped, while Marten de Roon makes a surprise return to the midfield, earning his first call-up in two years.
However, there was no place in the squad for veteran centre-back Stefan de Vrij, who suffered a thigh injury during Inter Milan’s final Serie A match of the season against Bologna. Liverpool full-back Jeremie Frimpong was also omitted.
Warm-Up Fixtures and Full Squad
The Dutch national team is set to play World Cup warm-up fixtures against Algeria in Rotterdam on 3 June and Uzbekistan in New York on 8 June before heading to the tournament.
Netherlands World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Guus Til (PSV Eindhoven), Quinten Timber (Olympique de Marseille), Mats Wieffer (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Noa Lang (Galatasaray), Donyell Malen (AS Roma), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United), Wout Weghorst (Ajax Amsterdam)
