Xavi comes out with hopeful words about Memphis heading into World Cup

Xavi comes out with hopeful words about Memphis heading into World Cup

shutterstock 2210779671The Netherlands need not fear Memphis Depay’s absence. The FC Barcelona striker must also miss the last league game of the calendar year due to a thigh injury, but seems fit in time for the World Cup in Qatar. According to Spanish media, Memphis has since travelled to the Netherlands to prepare for the World Cup.

His coach Xavi confirmed this at the press conference ahead of the game with Osasuna, which Memphis is letting slip due to persistent complaints. “He will no longer remain out of the squad with a view to the World Cup, he is really suffering from his injury,” Xavi said of Memphis. “But participation in the World Cup is not in danger.” The same applies to Jules Koundé, according to the coach.

Memphis last played for FC Barcelona in September. During a trip with the Dutch national team, Memphis had to go to the side injured. Even before that, the striker was not a regular at the Catalan superpower. The 28-year-old striker has only played 183 minutes in the FC Barcelona shirt this season. In those, he scored once.

Oranje

A quick recovery would mean good news for national team coach Louis van Gaal. Memphis is one of the key players of Oranje, who next month hope to crown themselves world champions for the first time ever.