Memphis Depay Injured: Netherlands Star in Doubt for World Cup Prep Friendlies

Corinthians' Memphis Depay suffers thigh injury, Dutch national team concerned

Memphis Depay injured in Corinthians match, raising concerns for Netherlands' World Cup prep friendlies against Norway and Ecuador.

“Just to clarify, my moment with the phone was pure to communicate with the medical...”

Memphis Depay was substituted off early in Corinthians' Serie A clash with Flamengo due to a thigh injury. This might keep him out of the Netherlands' friendlies in March.

Just before leaving the pitch, Memphis played a crucial role in Yuri Alberto's goal, delivering a slick trivela pass for the pre-assist.

Memphis dropped to the ground, got medical attention, and was then carted off to the changing room at the Neo Química Arena.

memphis depay saindo chateado após lesão pic.twitter.com/yZHfqLcmIe

— out of context brasileirão (@oocbrsao) March 22, 2026

 

The severity of the injury's still unclear, but Memphis is now a headache for both Corinthians and the Dutch national team. He's been called up for Oranje's friendlies against Norway (March 27th) and Ecuador (March 31st), and his availability's now in doubt.

O Memphis levando uma bronca no banco por estar usando o celular pic.twitter.com/wMBhDQE9Hj

— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta) March 23, 2026

 

Phone Controversy Erupts as Memphis Caught on Device 

Memphis was caught red-handed on his phone during the game after being substituted off, sparking a media frenzy. A team staffer quickly intervened, urging him to put it away. Memphis later explained he was discussing his injury with the Dutch national team's medical team.

“Just to clarify, my moment with the phone was pure to communicate with the medical staff in the Netherlands at that moment,” Memphis said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“I came outside to show support to my team, while I could’ve stayed inside the dressing room with the injury.”

Just to clarify my moment with the phone was pure to communicate with the medical staff in the Netherlands at that moment.
I came outside to show support to my team while I could’ve stayed inside the dressing room with the injury.
I’m Upset with the result of the game as well.…

— Memphis Depay (@Memphis) March 23, 2026

The Netherlands are in Group F of the World Cup alongside Tunisia, Japan, and a European qualifier. They kick off their campaign on June 14th against Japan at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.