São Paulo — Corinthians head coach Fernando Diniz confirmed that Memphis Depay will not be available for the upcoming Copa Libertadores match against Peñarol, citing the Dutch forward’s ongoing recovery from a right thigh injury. Speaking after Corinthians’ 1-0 victory over Vasco da Gama on Sunday, Diniz emphasized the need for caution in managing Depay’s return to avoid aggravating the injury.
“He does not have the minimum condition to play against Peñarol,” Diniz said in a post-match press conference. “We need to be cautious with him so he doesn’t feel the injury again. We need to give him time to recover.”
The coach added that Depay has been training in two daily sessions and is progressing, but a significant amount of time is still required before he can return to match action. “We will seek to offer the best conditions for him to return well,” Diniz stated.
Depay, who joined Corinthians earlier in 2024, has been sidelined since suffering the thigh injury. According to verified reports, he is expected to be available for selection starting April 30, when Corinthians face Peñarol at Neo Química Arena in the third round of the Copa Libertadores group stage.
Diniz also used the opportunity to express his admiration for Depay, both as a player and as a person. “It is an explicit desire of mine that he stays. I am getting closer to him every day, and the more I get closer, the more I like him. He is extra-série, world-class, a gift for Corinthians and for Brazilian football to have him here,” the coach said. “I am getting to know not only the Memphis you know, but the person, who has inner richness. Besides the player, he is a different person.”
The Corinthians coach has been regularly seen interacting with Depay during training sessions, including an open practice for the press last Thursday, where he was observed conversing with the forward. Diniz said he is focusing on building a relationship with Depay beyond football, aiming to understand his character, and mentality.
Corinthians’ upcoming match against Peñarol is scheduled for Thursday, April 30, at Neo Química Arena in São Paulo. The match will be part of the 2025 Copa Libertadores group stage, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. Local time (UTC-3).
Depay’s contract with Corinthians is set to expire at the end of the 2024 season, and Diniz confirmed that the club is eager to retain his services. “It is a desire that I have that he stays,” the coach reiterated.
For now, Corinthians will proceed without Depay in their Libertadores campaign opener against Peñarol, prioritizing his long-term fitness over short-term availability. The team will appear to other attacking options as they aim to secure a positive result in Uruguay’s absence of their high-profile summer signing.
Stay updated with Archysport for the latest on Corinthians’ injury news, Copa Libertadores coverage, and exclusive insights into Memphis Depay’s recovery journey.
What’s next: Corinthians face Peñarol on April 30 at Neo Química Arena. Follow Archysport for live updates, post-match analysis, and the latest on Depay’s return to training.
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