Koeman Uncertain about Depay, Excited about Smit

Depay injury wants cast doubt on Netherlands' World Cup hopes

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman is uncertain about Memphis Depay's availability, but optimistic about young talent Kees Smit, as he announces squad for Norway and Ecuador friendlies.

“I wouldn't know who (to call up). The strikers on the list are well known...”

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman is uncertain about Memphis Depay's availability for the upcoming friendlies against Norway and Ecuador. The striker was substituted early in Corinthians' game against Flamengo due to thigh discomfort.

Depay's situation is concerning, given his existing knee injury. Koeman's decision to call him up despite the knee issue is now under scrutiny. 

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman isn't optimistic about Memphis Depay's chances of playing in their upcoming friendlies against Norway and Ecuador this month. Depay was forced off injured after 20 minutes playing for Corinthians against Flamengo on Sunday, and Koeman says it “doesn't look good” after Depay underwent a scan on Monday.

Depay joins an already injury-hit Netherlands squad, with Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, and Justin Kluivert among those unavailable. Koeman's side faces Japan, Tunisia, and a European playoff winner in the World Cup group stage.

Donyell Malen is flying high, scoring 7 goals in 9 games for AS Roma. Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman is open to trying him in different positions, not just up front. The Aston Villa loanee's current form makes him a strong contender for a spot in the Netherlands squad.

“I already knew he was very good as a striker; that’s how he made his debut under me. At the time, he was playing up front for PSV. He’s quick and a good finisher. But he’s also shown us that he can fill the role on the right wing very well. So those are the two positions he needs to focus on.”

With Malen, Brian Brobbey, and Wout Weghorst still in the squad, Koeman confirmed he won't call up a replacement if Depay drops out of the squad: “I wouldn't know who (to call up). The strikers on the list are well known. But they might not be as fit as I would like them to be.

Memphis Depay suffered a thigh injury during Corinthians’ match against Flamengo on Sunday| 
Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Koeman's Young Gun

Kees Smit, the 20-year-old AZ talent, has received his maiden call-up and Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman is optimistic about his progress. “He's making fantastic progress,” Koeman said, eager to see Smit in action after watching him for a while.

“I’d like to see him in the match too. I’ve given it some thought before. This is the final international break before we have to make our final squad, so I want to see him with the group. I’d advise him to keep his eyes and ears open, be happy, and show it. And just be himself. He seems like that sort of person to me. It’s nerve-wracking for him, so we’ll see how he holds his own.”

Noa Lang, who suffered a freak thumb injury during last week's UEFA Champions League game with Galatasaray against Liverpool, has also been called up, but Koeman will be cautious with the winger: “We’ll see how it goes. He’ll have to wait and see, too.”

West Ham standout Crystencio Summerville has been on Koeman's list for a while, too. The winger has featured in the preliminary squad before, and without having played a game for Oranje yet, Koeman knows what he's got in Summerville.

Kees Smit jaagt de bal in de bovenhoek 😮‍💨🚀#azspa pic.twitter.com/l0g7pbu640

— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) February 22, 2026

The Netherlands have scheduled two friendly matches before the World Cup, facing Norway on March 27th at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, and Ecuador on March 31st in Eindhoven. Coach Ronald Koeman is using these games to fine-tune his squad, with key players like Memphis Depay and Donyell Malen in contention.