Corinthians Announces Depay Injury, Netherlands Absence Following Bench Phone Incident

The Dutch national team has suffered a significant blow just months before the start of the 2026 World Cup, as star player Memphis Depay has sustained an injury that could rule him out of the current March preparatory period and raises doubts about his readiness for the global tournament.

Depay, the Brazilian Corinthians forward, suffered a thigh tear during his team's match against Flamengo last Sunday, the club announced. Corinthians added that Depay has joined the Netherlands national team to monitor his health condition.

Depay is expected to miss the Netherlands' two friendly matches against Norway and Ecuador, which are important fixtures in the World Cup preparation program. Brazilian media reports indicate he will be sidelined for four weeks.

In a related development, an incident involving Depay using his mobile phone on the substitutes' bench during the same match sparked widespread controversy. The player later clarified that he was communicating with the Dutch national team's medical staff to monitor his health condition.