Ronald Koeman is calling it "only a bruise" — but with the Netherlands facing Japan on Sunday in their World Cup opener, that's not exactly the kind of injury update that inspires confidence in your first-choice goalkeeper.
Bart Verbruggen hobbled off during Monday's 2-1 friendly win over Uzbekistan in New York after falling heavily while catching a ball. He didn't train on Wednesday, and Koeman's Kansas City press conference amounted to a careful exercise in not saying very much. "We have to wait and see and hope that he can be involved on Sunday," the coach said.
Verbruggen might not be the only concern
Koeman also fielded questions about Memphis Depay, who has been managing a thigh injury and limited playing time over the past three months. The Dutch captain is apparently back in contention, with Koeman insisting he had already decided who leads the attack in Dallas. "We know that Memphis has had some injuries and hasn't played in recent weeks, but now he's back," he said. "He is our all-time leading goal scorer and we need him."
So that's a goalkeeper and a striker both racing the clock before a World Cup group game. Dutch nerves heading into this tournament are understandable.
If Verbruggen can't go, Mark Flekken steps in — he already replaced him against Uzbekistan. Third in line is Robin Roefs, who only earned his first cap a week ago in a friendly loss to Algeria. The drop-off from Verbruggen to Roefs is steep, and any betting market involving Netherlands' defensive solidity just got a lot less predictable.
- Bart Verbruggen: injured vs Uzbekistan, did not train Wednesday, status uncertain
- Mark Flekken: second choice, took over in the friendly
- Robin Roefs: third choice, one cap to his name
Koeman insisted the backup options are good enough. That may be true — but "we still have to decide" who plays in goal four days before a World Cup match isn't a statement that suggests everything is under control.
