Netherlands will be without their attacking talisman Memphis Depay for their World Cup 2022 clash against Senegal on Monday.

The Barcelona forward has not played for club or country since injuring his hamstring against Poland in a UEFA Nations League clash in September, with head coach Louis van Gaal ruling him out of contention for at least their opener in Qatar.

As such, the former Manchester United manager may pair Steven Bergwijn and Cody Gakpo in attack, with Ajax's Davy Klaassen supporting them from an attacking midfield role.

Denzel Dumfries was forced off due to a knee injury sustained during Inter Milan's Serie A fixture against Atalanta last week, with Marten de Roon also a major doubt for the Oranje having missed the same match entirely with a back issue.

As such, Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong could be handed an opportunity to impress at right wing-back, having scored five league goals from that position for his club this season.

Remko Pasveer, who became Netherlands' second oldest ever debutant when starting against Poland in September, is set to make his World Cup debut between the posts, with captain Virgil van Dijk offering the 39-year-old ample protection at the heart of Van Gaal's preferred back three, with no place likely to be offered to Juventus' Matthijs de Ligt.

Netherlands possible starting lineup: Pasveer; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Frimpong, F. De Jong, Koopmeiners, Blind; Klaassen; Gakpo, Bergwijn

Written by
Brett Curtis