Koeman Faces Deadline as Depay and Timber Miss Return

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman still awaits the return of striker Memphis Depay and defender Jurriën Timber, with the World Cup squad to be announced on May 27, just 24 days away.

Depay, 32, has not featured for Corinthians due to a stubborn thigh injury, missing both the recent cup win over Barra FC and the league loss to Botafogo. He has four matches left with the Brazilian club before May 30 where he could earn minutes.

Koeman has signalled he may relax the usual fitness criteria for the Netherlands' all‑time top scorer, suggesting the player could start the tournament on the bench if he is not 100 percent fit.

The situation mirrors Euro 2024, when Depay began the tournament far from peak condition and failed to reach top form. Two years earlier, he returned from a muscle injury at Atlético Madrid a month before the Euros and later contributed to the Dutch squad.

Timber, 24, has been sidelined with an ankle injury for two months and missed Arsenal's Premier League clash with Burnley. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the defender feels better but the timeline for a full return remains uncertain.

Arsenal still have a league match against Crystal Palace and the Champions League final on May 30, leaving Timber at most two more chances to play this season.

Midfielder Frenkie de Jong also missed Barcelona's recent defeats to Alavés and Real Betis, citing feeling unwell, though coach Hansi Flick did not express alarm.

With limited opportunities for both Depay and Timber to demonstrate fitness, Koeman faces a tight window to finalize his World Cup roster before the May 27 deadline.

The Dutch federation must decide whether the remaining club appearances are sufficient to secure a place for the two players as the tournament approaches.