Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez has explained why Memphis Depay remains out of the national squad ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Greece and Germany. The Corinthians forward, the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer with 55 goals, has been left out as he continues working towards regaining full match fitness.
Key Highlights:
- Memphis Depay misses out again as Xavi prioritises players with sufficient match fitness and rhythm.
- Xavi confirms regular communication with Corinthians manager Clarence Seedorf regarding Memphis' progress in Brazil.
- Ruud van Nistelrooy remains involved in discussions about attacking options, including Brian Brobbey.
- The Netherlands face Greece and Germany in their final Nations League group-stage fixtures amid several fitness concerns.
Xavi Addresses Memphis Depay's Continued Netherlands Absence
Memphis Depay has once again been left out of the Netherlands squad, with head coach Xavi Hernandez citing the forward's lack of match rhythm and fitness as the main reasons behind his absence.
The Corinthians striker remains the country's all-time leading scorer with 55 international goals, making his continued omission a major talking point ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
During Monday's press conference, Xavi faced repeated questions about Memphis but encouraged reporters to focus on the players currently available for selection.
Xavi Maintains Contact With Seedorf Over Memphis' Progress
Xavi also confirmed that he remains in regular contact with Corinthians manager Clarence Seedorf to discuss various matters, including Memphis' situation and development in Brazil.
When asked whether Memphis could return to the national team in the future, Xavi responded with humour while reiterating his focus on the current squad. He emphasised that he respects players who were not selected but preferred to discuss those currently available for the Netherlands.
Xavi acknowledged that Memphis remains a special player capable of making a difference, but suggested that the forward needs more time to regain his match sharpness before returning to international duty.
Xavi Discusses Van Nistelrooy's Role and Netherlands' Attacking Options
Xavi also discussed communication between his coaching staff and other attacking players, highlighting Ruud van Nistelrooy's involvement in monitoring Brian Brobbey's condition. Brobbey was initially included in the squad before later withdrawing alongside Virgil van Dijk due to fitness concerns.
Xavi explained that he had not spoken to Le Bris but remained in contact with Brobbey, while Van Nistelrooy was also maintaining regular communication with the forward. He added that Brobbey was feeling good and that the coaching staff would assess his condition when he reported to the squad.
Xavi also noted the striker's strong performance in his previous match. Despite the fitness concerns surrounding some of his attacking options, Xavi remains confident in the players available, with Cody Gakpo among the forwards expected to contribute during the upcoming fixtures.
Netherlands Prepare for Greece and Germany Nations League Tests
The Netherlands are approaching the final stage of their UEFA Nations League group campaign, with two important fixtures scheduled in November. Xavi's side will first host Greece at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam on Friday before travelling to Berlin to face Germany on Monday, 16 November.
With late fitness withdrawals leaving the squad depleted to 23 players, the Netherlands coach will have to make the most of his available options to secure positive results. Meanwhile, Memphis will continue working towards regaining his fitness and match rhythm under Seedorf at Corinthians, with a potential return to the Netherlands squad remaining a possibility for future international windows.
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