Qatar 2022

Qatar 2022: Why is Memphis Depay not starting for the Netherlands vs Senegal?

The Netherlands make their debut at Qatar 2022 against Senegal on Matchday 1 of Group A. Unfortunately, Barcelona forward Memphis Depay won't start for this game.

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November 21, 2022 10:57AM EDT

**© Claudio Villa/Getty Images**Memphis Depay.

The moment has come. With Qatar 2022 underway, the FIFA World Cup is the only thing every soccer fanis talking about right now, and we can’t blame them. TheNetherlands head into the tournament with high aspirations, having missed Russia 2018.

Louis van Gaal, who led the nation to a third-place finish in Brazil 2014, is once again at the helm of the Dutch team for this exciting tournament. TheNetherlands were drawn into Group A, along with the host nation, Ecuador, and Senegal.

The Oranje make their debut in Qatar against the African champions, who will suffer a notable absence as Sadio Mane was ruled out for the World Cup. But the Netherlands willmiss a key player from the start as well.

Why is Memphis Depay not starting for Netherlands vs. Senegal

Memphis Depay is not starting for theNetherlands against Senegal due to thigh problems. The Barcelona forward has been on the sidelines due to this issue since October, and even though he tried, he wasn’t ready to start.

Depay, however, could still take part in this game as he’s having a place on the bench. If his recovery goes well, hecould be back in the starting eleven for the second matchday against Ecuador.

Martín O’donnell

Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of soccer, NFL, and NBA, with a specialty in real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Editor, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis.