The Netherlands international attacker Memphis Depay will miss the start of the rescheduled La Liga period, affecting Atlético de Madrid as the league restarts. Depay, who has worn the Atlético shirt after a career that included Barcelona and an earlier stint at Manchester United, is sidelined due to a thigh muscle injury sustained during the international break. The setback comes at a time when Diego Simeone’s side likely hoped to maintain momentum in the final stretch of the campaign.
According to the club’s official medical update, Depay suffered a thigh muscle injury after tests at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra. The diagnosis was released on a Wednesday, March 29, confirming the nature of the issue and outlining the initial steps in his recovery plan. The medical bulletin also notes that the Dutch forward has begun physiotherapy, strength work, and gradual rehabilitation, with his progress monitored by the club’s medical staff. As of now, the timeline for his return remains contingent on how well he responds to treatment.
Depay’s injury occurred during the international friendly between the Netherlands and Gibraltar on Monday, March 27. In that match, the former Barcelona forward opened the scoring, underscoring his impact at the international level before he had to leave the field due to discomfort. The timing adds a layer of concern for Atlético, which will need to navigate several fixtures without his attacking versatility and goal threat. Depay’s absence could influence Simeone’s tactical approach as the team prepares to face real league challenges in the coming weeks.
The plan for Depay’s rehabilitation is clear: gradually increase workload while avoiding re-injury. Physiotherapy will be complemented by controlled conditioning sessions and football-specific drills to ensure a safe return. The evolution of his condition will determine whether he can be considered for selection in Atlético’s next league match after the break, a clash against Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas on April 9. Until then, the squad will rely on other forward options while monitoring Depay’s recovery trajectory, as the medical staff weighs the risks and rewards of reintroducing him to competitive action.
For Atlético, the absence of an established scorer and creator like Depay creates a noticeable gap at a crucial juncture of the season. The team has built depth in the attacking ranks, but the Dutch international’s ability to stretch defenses, link play, and finish chances is hard to replace on short notice. Coaches and fans will be watching Depay’s rehab closely, seeking signs of steady improvement that would pave the way for a return to the first team in a safe, controlled manner. The club’s communications emphasize prudence, prioritizing long-term fitness over a rushed comeback that could worsen the injury.
As the league resumes, Atlético de Madrid faces a period of intense competition with multiple matches in quick succession. The absence of Depay adds to the tactical decisions facing Simeone, who will need to balance the squad’s energy, rotation, and creative options. The club will likely lean on its other attackers to maintain scoring consistency while Depay works toward a cautious and sustainable return. The outcome of the rehabilitation process will shape the team’s plans for the remainder of the season, influencing both domestic league results and potential domestic cup considerations. The medical update remains the reference point as fans await further news on his conditioning and readiness for match-day duties. — Goal
Memphis Depay, injured: what does he have, how long is he out and which matches would he miss at Atlético de Madrid?
Depay’s injury is categorized as a thigh muscle strain. Medical staff will track pain levels, muscle strength, and functional capacity before green-lighting more intensive training. The prognosis typically depends on individual response to therapy and the absence of aggravated symptoms during rehab. Early indicators in such cases point to a recovery window that could span several weeks, potentially keeping him out of key league fixtures until he shows tangible progress in reconditioning and match readiness.
Atlético players and staff will be weighing the risk of bringing him back ahead of important matches. If progress is slower than hoped, Depay could miss additional league dates, challenging the squad to adapt without their prior top-scoring threat. The coaching staff’s strategy will focus on maintaining offensive momentum through other forwards and midseason signings, while Depay follows a carefully calibrated plan to regain his peak form. The club remains optimistic about a controlled return that aligns with medical guidance and the team’s competitive needs.
Overall, Depay’s absence is a reminder of how international duties can intersect with domestic campaigns, sometimes producing cascading effects for clubs like Atlético. In the weeks ahead, supporters will be watching updates from the medical team and club communications, hoping for a clear timetable and a safe, sustainable return to action for the Dutch attacker. The evaluation will continue to balance the desire to compete at the highest level with the imperative to protect a valuable asset beyond a single match.
Source: Goal