Netherlands Verbruggen Fitness Update As Koeman Weighs Goalkeeper Options For World Cup Opener

The Netherlands are weighing late fitness calls for Bart Verbruggen and Memphis Depay before their World Cup opener against Japan on Sunday, as Ronald Koeman balances injury concerns with the team’s strong tournament record and the need to confirm both the starting goalkeeper and central striker in the coming days.

Koeman has yet to confirm whether Verbruggen, regarded as the first-choice goalkeeper for this World Cup, will recover in time after being substituted in the 67th minute of the 2-1 win against Uzbekistan, when the Brighton player collided with Abdukodir Khusanov during a corner at Icahn Stadium and made way for Bayer Leverkusen’s Mark Flekken.

The head coach explained that Verbruggen missed Wednesday’s training session, raising doubts about availability, though medical staff classify the setback as minor, and Koeman will likely delay any final verdict as long as possible given Verbruggen’s role in qualifying, where the goalkeeper kept three clean sheets and helped secure the Netherlands’ passage to the tournament.

"He did not take part in training. We have to wait and see and hope that he can be involved on Sunday," Koeman told a press conference at the team base. "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."

Behind Verbruggen, Koeman can turn to Flekken, who has collected 12 caps since debuting in 2022, while third-choice goalkeeper Robin Roefs has one senior appearance, and the coach confirmed that conversations with the keepers will shape the final call, saying: "Who might play in goal? We still have to decide that. We will provide clarity on that during our discussions with the goalkeepers," Koeman added.

Koeman is also assessing who will start at centre forward, as Memphis Depay enters the tournament after a recent thigh problem, despite leading the Netherlands’ World Cup qualifying campaign with eight goals and sharing the national team’s highest assist tally in that phase, recording four assists while operating as the focal point of the attack.

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

The Netherlands enter their 12th World Cup with a strong historical profile and unfinished business, having finished runners-up three times, more than any other side that has yet to lift the trophy, while also carrying momentum from an unbeaten run across the last 16 group matches, with 12 wins and four draws, alongside nine straight unbeaten opening games at FIFA’s flagship competition.

As the Netherlands prepare for Japan, the squad’s recent results and World Cup record provide confidence, yet the final selections in goal and in attack depend on how Verbruggen and Depay respond over the remaining days of training, with Koeman aiming to confirm clear roles while keeping all available players ready for selection.