Memphis Depay to Join Netherlands Squad Late After Passport Stolen

Depay to miss Netherlands' match against Malta after passport theft

Netherlands' star striker Memphis Depay to join squad late due to stolen passport,causing him to miss Netherlands' match against Malta.

“The player has announced that his passport was stolen, preventing him from making his scheduled flight from Brazil on Sunday evening...”

Memphis Depay will join the Netherlands national team late due to passport issues. His passport was stolen in Brazil, where he plays for Corinthians, preventing him from boarding his scheduled flight to the Netherlands. Depay is working on resolving the issue and is expected to join the team shortly.

The Netherlands' record scorer, Depay, recently broke Robin van Persie's goal-scoring record with 52 goals for his country. He achieved this feat by scoring a double in the Netherlands' 3-2 win over Lithuania in their last Group G qualifier. Depay's absence might impact the team's upcoming matches, including the qualifier against Malta on Thursday, where the Dutch are expected to consolidate their first-place position.

Depay's potential absence could also affect the team's match against Finland at home on Sunday. Despite this, the Netherlands remains strong, with 10 points from their opening four qualifiers, ahead of Poland on goal difference with a game in hand. The group winners will qualify directly for the finals in North America, while the runners-up will enter the playoffs.

Memphis Depay's potential absence for the Netherlands' next match is due to his ongoing recovery from an injury. The Dutch Football Association confirmed that Depay “will join the Dutch national team's training camp at a later date.” This decision likely aims to ensure Depay's full recovery and optimal performance.

Given the circumstances, it's uncertain whether Depay will participate in the upcoming match against Malta on Thursday. The Netherlands is expected to consolidate its first-place position in the standings, but Depay's absence could impact the team's dynamics. His inclusion in the squad is pending a successful recovery, and the Dutch Football Association will likely prioritize his fitness for future matches.

“This is unfortunate, primarily for Memphis, but also for us. You naturally want to start your international preparations with a full squad,” manager Ronald Koeman said.

“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.”

“The player has announced that his passport was stolen, preventing him from making his scheduled flight from Brazil on Sunday evening.

“He is doing everything he can to travel to the Netherlands as soon as possible. He is therefore expected to be able to join the squad shortly.”

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The Netherlands has 10 points from their opening four qualifiers, putting them ahead of Poland on goal difference with a game in hand. They face Finland at home on Sunday.

The group winners will qualify directly for the finals in North America, while the runners-up will enter the playoffs.