There was surprising news for Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman as Memphis Depay did not arrive for international duty after his passport was stolen.
The Dutch have back-to-back World Cup qualifiers this week, taking on Malta on Thursday before hosting Finland on Sunday.
Koeman called up the country’s all-time record goal-scorer, who is playing for Brazilian side Corinthians, but there has been a stumbling block.
Depay couldn’t find his passport and was – obviously – not allowed on a flight as a result, despite turning up at the airport anyway.
Dutch media report that the passport was stolen, but Koeman is hopeful the forward will arrive on Tuesday regardless.
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‘This is unfortunate, primarily for Memphis, but also for us,’ Koeman said.
‘You naturally want to start preparations for an international break with a full squad. At the same time, there’s a situation beyond our control. We hope he can travel to join us in training camp as soon as possible.’
The manager added: ‘He was supposed to fly at 2:30 tonight. He was looking for some things, but couldn’t find his passport. He went to the airport anyway, but couldn’t get through customs.
‘The next step is to get an emergency travel document and then fly a day later. The plan is for him to fly tonight and land here tomorrow morning at 9:30.’
Koeman joked: ‘Memphis couldn’t find his passport in Brazil. He went to the airport without one, but that didn’t work, even if you’re Memphis.’
The Dutch manager said Depay will now not start against Malta, but that is just a preparation issue, not a punishment.
‘I do have my thoughts on that; I have to change the plan I had in mind,’ said the former Everton boss. ‘He won’t start, no. Everyone has the right to be late once in a while. No, it’s not a punishment.’
Depay has scored 52 goals in 104 caps for his country, scoring more goals for Netherlands than any other player.
The 31-year-old left Atletico Madrid in May 2024 and signed for Corinthians in September last year, remaining a fixture in the national side since his move to South America.
Koeman said Aston Villa’s Donyell Malen could take advantage of Depay’s absence, adding: ‘He can also play up front; he’s a permanent fixture in my squad. Mexx Meerdink is also a matter of looking to the future for us. His development will determine how long it will take.’