Memphis Depay Misses International Duty Due to Stolen Passport
Memphis Depay, the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer, was unable to join his national team for international duty after reporting his passport stolen in Brazil, where he plays for Corinthians.
Depay was scheduled to travel to the Netherlands on Sunday evening but could not make the trip due to the incident.
Ronald Koeman's squad is set to compete in World Cup qualifiers, facing Malta away on Thursday and Finland at home on Sunday.
The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) stated that Depay is "doing everything he can" to make the journey "as soon as possible."
National team head coach Ronald Koeman expressed his disappointment, saying, "This is unfortunate, primarily for Memphis, but also for us. You naturally want to start your international preparations with a full squad. At the same time, there are circumstances beyond our control. We hope he can indeed travel to join us at the training camp as soon as possible."
Last month, Depay scored twice against Lithuania, surpassing Robin van Persie to become the Netherlands' all-time top scorer with 52 goals in 104 appearances.
The Netherlands currently leads qualifying Group G on goal difference ahead of Poland, with one game in hand.