Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has named all-time top scorer Memphis Depay in his 26-man World Cup squad, but warned the striker that he must prove his match fitness over the next few weeks before the tournament kicks off.
The 32-year-old forward, who has scored 55 goals in 108 international appearances, made the final cut on Wednesday despite playing only two substitute appearances for his Brazilian club, Corinthians, over the past two months.
"I selected Memphis because of who he is. I don't see anyone else in that position who can do what he does," Koeman told a press conference following the squad's release. "I believe he can be an asset, but he does have to get through the coming period well. If he is where he needs to be, he will start our warm-up matches. If not, he won't."
Depay told the national coach he expects to start for Corinthians in Wednesday's Copa Libertadores tie against Argentina's Platense.
Koeman faces a similar selection gamble with Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, who has been sidelined with a groin injury since March. Timber was scheduled to train with Arsenal ahead of Saturday's Champions League final, which will serve as a definitive assessment of his fitness. Koeman confirmed that Ian Maatsen and Lutsharel Geertruida have been placed on the standby list should Timber fail to recover in time.
The Netherlands will complete their World Cup preparations with friendly matches against Algeria and Uzbekistan. The Dutch national team opens its Group F campaign against Japan in Dallas on June 14, ahead of the global tournament hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
