AMSTERDAM: The Netherlands’ top scorer Memphis Depay and Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber have both been included in the country’s squad for next month’s World Cup despite concerns over their fitness.
The 32-year-old Depay, whose 55 goals are the most for the Dutch, has been struggling with thigh and calf injuries and made only two substitute appearances for his Brazilian club Corinthians in the past two months.
Coach Ronald Koeman also picked Timber, who returned to training at his club this week ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final.
The 24-year-old was forced off in the win over Everton in mid-March and subsequently missed Arsenal’s last 14 games in all competitions with a groin problem.
Justin Kluivert has also been given a vote of confidence despite knee surgery in January and only two substitute appearances for Bournemouth since completing his rehabilitation.
Kluivert was among the first players to report for training at the Dutch camp in Zeist on Monday, along with Noa Lang who has recovered from a bizarre finger injury suffered playing in the Champions League for Galatasaray against Liverpool in March and was also picked.
West Ham United’s Crysencio Summerville and Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs are both uncapped while there was a surprise return for midfielder Marten de Roon, who won the last of his 42 caps two years ago.
But there was no place for veteran centre back Stefan de Vrij, after a thigh injury suffered in Inter Milan’s last game of the Serie A season at Bologna on Saturday, or Liverpool full back Jeremie Frimpong.
The Dutch play World Cup warm-up games against Algeria in Rotterdam on June 3 and Uzbekistan in New York on June 8 before heading to the World Cup.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Guus Til (PSV Eindhoven), Quinten Timber (Olympique de Marseille), Mats Wieffer (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Noa Lang (Galatasaray), Donyell Malen (AS Roma), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United), Wout Weghorst (Ajax Amsterdam).
South Africa, too
South Africa named uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross in their final squad for the World Cup, while there is also a place for 36-year-old playmaker Themba Zwane.
There were few surprises from coach Hugo Broos as he largely stuck with the players who earned a first appearance at the global finals for Bafana Bafana in 16 years.
South Africa face co-hosts Mexico in the tournament opener on June 11, before Group A clashes with Czech Republic in Atlanta (June 18) and South Korea in Monterrey (June 24).
Squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal)
Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)
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