Memphis Depay is in the final stages of recovering from thigh injury. The 29-year-old striker of Atlético Madrid therefore seems fit just in time for a spicy return: a visit to Barcelona.
Memphis seems fit just in time for a spicy comeback
Memphis moved from Barcelona to Atlético at the end of January and has since scored three goals in seven league matches for the Rojiblancos, averaging one goal every 86 minutes. Just when he had secured his place in Diego Simeone’s team, the Dutchman was injured.
During the international match of the Orange against Gibraltar, Memphis suffered thigh complaints, which kept him aside in recent weeks. The striker missed Atlético’s matches against Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano and Almería, all of which were won.
AS writes that Memphis still trained individually today, but that he will join Atlético’s group training this week. Diego Simeone was already positive about Memphis’ recovery last week and everyone at the club expects him to be available again next weekend.
For Memphis, such a special return to Camp Nou beckons, where he was under contract for a year and a half. Spanish media expect him to start on the reserve bench, but can play an important role as a substitute.
Getafe pokes fun at Xavi’s statements: “Invest in sunscreen”
Speaking of Barcelona, Getafe has responded with a joke to Xavi’s comments about Barcelona’s problems with the field and the sun.
Xavi had grumbled about the dryness and hardness of the field after the goalless draw. And his team was also not used to playing in the sun, the Barcelona coach noted after the 0-0 at Getafe.
Fellow coach Quique Sanchez Flores reacted to Xavi’s lament. “We didn’t play on trampled earth. It was a beautiful turf. Was it within the regulations? It’s like Formula 1. There are hard, soft and medium tyres,” said the Getafe coach, who also subtly suggested that the Catalans might also have to invest in sunscreen.
His club took the sunburn issue a step further on Twitter by asking followers which camp they were in. Team Nivea or Team Aftersun?
Getafe will face Mallorca this Sunday evening in a league fixture. With the visitors being just four points clear of relegation, it is expected to be a fierce competition.
