The Netherlands have received a double fitness boost ahead of their World Cup Group F opener against Japan, with Memphis Depay and Bart Verbruggen both declared fit to play.
Key Players Return
Memphis Depay, the Netherlands' all-time top scorer with 52 goals in 102 appearances, had been nursing a thigh injury sustained while playing for Corinthians in Brazil. He missed the final warm-up friendly against Uzbekistan, but has now been cleared for action. Bart Verbruggen, the Brighton goalkeeper, emerged as a doubt after landing awkwardly in that 2-1 victory, suffering a bruised hip. However, he returned to training on Friday and is expected to start.
Defensive Setup
Arsenal's Jurrien Timber is unavailable after withdrawing from the squad earlier this week due to injury. The back four is likely to feature Denzel Dumfries at right-back, with Tottenham's Micky van de Ven on the left. Jan Paul van Hecke is set to partner captain Virgil van Dijk in central defence.
Midfield and Attack
Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch and Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong are expected to form the midfield double pivot. Further forward, Cody Gakpo, who scored twice against Uzbekistan, is a certain starter on the left. Tijjani Reijnders is favoured in the attacking midfield role, while West Ham's Crysencio Summerville has started both warm-up games on the right. The central striker position will be contested between Donyell Malen and Memphis Depay, with Malen having ended the season strongly with seven goals in seven games for Roma.
Dutch boss Ronald Koeman confirmed on Saturday that both Depay and Verbruggen are in contention, easing concerns over their availability.
Predicted Netherlands XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong; Summerville, Reijnders, Gakpo; Memphis.
