Netherlands Face Injury Concern Over Verbruggen Ahead Of FIFA World Cup

The Netherlands are uncertain about the fitness of their first-choice goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen after he picked up an injury during a friendly in New York on Monday. His availability is now under doubt for their World Cup opener against Japan on Sunday.

Talking about the injury, Verbruggen landed awkwardly after being challenged while going for a save in the 2-1 win over Uzbekistan and had to leave the pitch while limping.

The Dutch coach shared an update about the injury of Verbruggen, saying he didn’t take part in the last training session, but the team is confident for his recovery before the World Cup opener.

"He did not take part in training. ‌We have to wait and see and hope that ‌he can be involved on Sunday.” said the Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman while talking to the reporters.

"It's only ⁠a bruise, so we ‌don't know yet how things will be on Sunday. We are ​hopeful, but we'll have to see how far along he actually is." added Ronald Koeman.

Answering the question about who will replace Verbruggen if he fails to recover in time, Koeman said the team has other options, but nothing is finalized yet.

"Who might play in goal? We still have to decide that. ⁠We will provide clarity ​on that during our discussions with the goalkeepers," said Ronald Koeman.

Koeman was also asked whether he had decided who would lead the attack in Dallas on Sunday. The question was linked to Memphis Depay’s fitness, as he has been dealing with a thigh injury that has kept him out for much of the last three months.

"It’s Wednesday and we play on Sunday, but I think if I still have doubts then ​I haven’t done my homework properly.” said Ronald Koeman.

"We know that ‌Memphis has had some injuries and hasn't played in recent weeks, but now he's back. Every day he is getting closer to his top level. He is our all-time leading goal scorer and we need him, ⁠just like we need ⁠all the other players,” added Ronald Koeman.