Driessen: ‘I think we’ve seen his last international for the Netherlands’

Memphis Depay may have played his last game for the Netherlands, according to De Telegraaf head of football Valentijn Driessen.

"He will need to play a lot first," Driessen says. "And when he plays three, four or five matches in a row, he often gets injured. So that is Memphis's problem. And he is not getting any younger."

On the 32-year-old forward's absence, the Netherlands team observer says: "I think it will be very difficult for him. I believe Memphis has played one and a half or two matches. So I understand why he is not in the squad. Let him get fully fit at Corinthians first."

"But his physical condition is holding him back, of course. Otherwise, he might still have been in the squad or been given a chance by Xavi. But I think we have seen Memphis play his last international," Driessen says.

Xavi has picked other forwards for this international break, but has not shut the door on Memphis. "The door will always be open to him, especially to players like him, because he has a lot of quality and talent, and can score a lot of goals and make the difference."

At Monday's press conference, the national team coach stressed that the decision reflects only current form. "We have decided that the rest of the squad are in better form."

Memphis has made 112 appearances for the Netherlands. His last match was at the most recent World Cup, when the forward played 15 minutes in the 1-3 group-stage win against Tunisia.