Netherlands Uncertain About Goalkeeper Verbruggen's Fitness for World Cup Opener Against Japan
Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen suffered a heavy fall during a friendly match against Uzbekistan on Monday and missed training Wednesday, leaving his availability for the World Cup opener against Japan on Sunday in doubt. Coach Ronald Koeman described the injury as a bruise and said the team would wait to assess Verbruggen's condition before deciding on the starting goalkeeper. The uncertainty comes as the Netherlands also manages fitness concerns with striker Memphis Depay, who has been sidelined by a thigh injury but is expected to be available.
The Netherlands face uncertainty over their first-choice goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen ahead of their World Cup match against Japan on Sunday. Verbruggen was knocked while catching a ball during a 2-1 friendly victory over Uzbekistan in New York on Monday and fell heavily, forcing him to leave the field. He did not participate in training on Wednesday, prompting coach Ronald Koeman to describe the situation as uncertain but hopeful. Koeman characterized the injury as a bruise rather than a serious concern, noting that backup options Mark Flekken and Robin Roefs are available if needed. The coach expressed confidence that decisions on the starting goalkeeper would be made during team discussions, while also addressing concerns about striker Memphis Depay's readiness after a three-month absence due to thigh injury.
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Dutch concern over fitness of goalkeeper Verbruggen
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