This archive report was first published on 13 November 2019.
Coach Ronald Koeman has expressed concerns over the fitness of Netherlands forward Memphis Depay ahead of their key Euro 2020 Group C qualifier against Northern Ireland in Belfast on Saturday.
Depay is struggling with a thigh injury, the same one that forced him to miss their last game against Belarus, but this time on the other leg.
"It’s too early to say whether he will be able to play on Saturday, although Memphis himself is quite positive about it," Koeman said in a news conference.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Depay's fitness, Koeman remains optimistic about his team's chances, citing four other options who can fill his position, including Ryan Babel, Wout Weghorst, Luuk de Jong, and the uncapped teenager Myron Boadu.
Boadu has been called up for the first time and has impressed Koeman with his seamless integration into the squad.
Midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, meanwhile, skipped training on Tuesday due to illness, adding to Koeman's concerns.
The Dutch coach is looking for a victory over Northern Ireland as well as in their next game at home to Estonia in Amsterdam, saying, "I want six points to ensure we finish top of the group because it could help with our seedings for the finals," he said.
The Dutch have 15 points along with Germany but a better head-to-head record, while Northern Ireland are three points adrift.
