Dutch striker Memphis Depay will not be recalled to the starting line-up for the Netherlands’ final Group A match against hosts Qatar, manager Louis van Gaal said on Monday.
The Netherlands are joint-top with Ecuador on four points and the sides have identical records, so goal difference may be needed to decide the top spot.
After two losses, Qatar will only be playing for pride on Tuesday and on paper it should be a good win for the Dutch.
Asked if Barcelona forward Depay, who has recovered from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for two months ahead of the World Cup, could only start on the bench against Senegal or Ecuador, Van Gaal said in a cautious tone.
“We will not take risks with Memphis Depay,” Van Gaal told reporters.
“We need Memphis to be world champions, so we will do anything and everything to make sure we advance to the next round because that’s what it’s all about.
“With Memphis I decide. It all depends on what I see. Memphis has to give, too.”
Van Gaal said he was more than happy to stick with Vincent Jansen in attack, despite questions being raised about the Antwerp player’s pedigree.
Van Gaal said, “He is a team player and plays at a very high level in all the team’s work.”