Bart Verbruggen, the Netherlands' first-choice goalkeeper, was injured during Monday’s 2-1 friendly win over Uzbekistan in New York and missed training on Wednesday, casting doubt over his availability for Sunday’s World Cup opener against Japan in Dallas [1, 2, 3].
Verbruggen, 23, suffered a heavy fall after being knocked while catching a ball in the friendly, sustaining what coach Ronald Koeman described as "only a bruise." Koeman said, "It's only a bruise, so we don't know yet how things will be on Sunday. We are hopeful, but we'll have to see how far along he actually is" [1, 2, 3].
Verbruggen did not take part in training on Wednesday. Koeman added, "He did not take part in training. We have to wait and see and hope that he can be involved on Sunday" and "We have to wait. We think [Verbruggen] can reach the match on Sunday, but day-by-day we have to wait for that" [1, 2, 3].
Mark Flekken replaced Verbruggen during the Uzbekistan match as a precaution. Third-choice goalkeeper Robin Roefs, who recently won his first cap, is also available [1, 2, 3].
Elsewhere, Memphis Depay is nearing full fitness after missing three months with a thigh injury. Koeman said, "We know that Memphis has had some injuries and hasn't played in recent weeks, but now he's back. Every day he is getting closer to his top level" and added, "He is our all-time leading goal scorer and we need him, just like we need all the other players" [1, 2].
Defender Jurriën Timber, 24, was ruled out of the World Cup squad with a groin injury and replaced by Lutsharel Geertruida [3]. Xavi Simons is also unavailable after undergoing ACL surgery last month [3].
The Netherlands will open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Japan on Sunday, June 11, in Dallas [1, 2, 3]. They face Sweden on June 20 and Tunisia on June 25 in the group stage [3].
