'We need him': Verbruggen and Memphis race to be fit for Netherlands' World Cup opener

Verbruggen took a heavy fall after being knocked over while catching a ball during the 2-1 victory against Uzbekistan, causing him to limp off the pitch.

"He did not participate in training. We must be patient and hope that he can play on Sunday," coach Ronald Koeman said during a press conference at the team's base on Wednesday.

However, the coach later provided a more optimistic update.

"It is just a bruise, so we do not yet know how things will be on Sunday. We are hopeful, but we will have to see how far along he truly is."

Koeman stated that it was not a worry because he has other capable goalkeepers.

"Who might play in goal? We still have to decide that. We will provide clarity on that during our discussions with the goalkeepers," the coach added.

Mark Flekken replaced Verbruggen in the match against Uzbekistan, and the other option is Robin Roefs, who earned his first international cap a week ago when the Netherlands lost a friendly to Algeria in Rotterdam.

Koeman was also asked if he had decided who would lead the attack in Dallas on Sunday, a question relating to Memphis Depay's fitness after a thigh injury that has restricted his playing time over the past three months.

The Netherlands' all-time leading scorer has struggled in 2026, featuring in only four league matches for Corinthians and averaging a Flashscore Rating of 6.5.

"It is Wednesday and we play on Sunday, but I think if I still have doubts, then I have not done my homework properly.

"We know that Memphis has had some injuries and has not played in recent weeks, but now he is back. Every day he is getting closer to his best form.

"He is our all-time leading goal scorer and we need him, just as we need all the other players," Koeman added.