Netherlands Name 26-Man World Cup Squad — Memphis Depay Returns From Injury; Xavi Simons Out (ACL); Frimpong Omitted
Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman announced the Oranje's official 26-man World Cup squad on May 27, with the headline news being the return of Memphis Depay (Atlético Madrid) — Holland's all-time leading international scorer — after an injury recovery. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, captain) and Frenkie de Jong (Manchester City) lead a squad with considerable experience. Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber was also included following his recovery from a previous long-term injury. Notable absences: Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig, ACL injury suffered in April), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen), Stefan de Vrij. Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton, expected starter), Mark Flekken (Brentford), Robin Roefs. Netherlands are in Group A, meeting Senegal (June 12, NRG Stadium Houston), Brazil (June 17, AT&T Stadium Dallas), and Serbia (June 22, Rose Bowl Pasadena). The Dutch are considered one of the tournament's leading contenders, though the absence of Simons — who had been in imperious form for RB Leipzig before his injury — is a significant blow. 15 days to the June 11 opener at Estadio Azteca.
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