The Dutch attacker could not complete the first half in Vallecas, where he had Atlético de Madrid heading to a 0-2 lead before the setback changed the course of the match.
Memphis Depay suffered an injury on Monday, August 28, 2023, during Atlético de Madrid’s La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano in Vallecas.
Follow the Rayo Vallecano vs. Atlético de Madrid match from La Liga 2023-2024 as it unfolded and the implications for both squads.
Memphis Depay, injured at Atlético de Madrid: what happened, how long he might be out, and which games he could miss
Coach Diego Simeone had to reshuffle the lineup earlier than planned as Depay tore a muscle after just over 35 minutes of play. The change came sooner than expected, forcing Atlético to adapt on the fly as the match progressed.
Depay was able to leave the field on his own accord and was replaced by Álvaro Morata, who went on to contribute a brace in the later stages of the game that finished 0-7. Atlético is expected to release a medical update in the coming hours to determine the precise extent of the injury and the likely recovery timeline.
Throughout the game, Atlético communicated that the substitution was due to muscle discomfort, a cautious phrasing that hinted at a potential strain rather than a complete rupture.
In the immediate aftermath, the club and supporters awaited a formal medical report to confirm the diagnosis and outline the expected period away from action, as well as the possible impact on Depay’s involvement in upcoming fixtures in Spain and Europe.