Ronald Koeman has outlined his plans for the Netherlands’ upcoming World Cup qualifier against minnows Malta. The former Barcelona head coach confirmed that Memphis Depay, the Oranje’s all-time leading scorer, will not be in contention to start after arriving late to the national team’s training camp. The ex-Manchester United forward reported that his passport was stolen while in Brazil, causing a delay in his travel.
Depay arrives late to Netherlands camp due to bizarre reason
Depay reported to the Netherlands training camp in Amsterdam on Tuesday, later than the date initially requested by head coach Koeman. The reason behind the ex-United flop's delayed arrival has now been revealed. According to , the striker phoned team manager Brecht Kramer in the middle of the night to inform him that he had missed his flight from Brazil to Schiphol after his passport was stolen.
AdvertisementAFPKoeman reveals change of plan with Depay
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Koeman said: "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. Was anything else stolen? No, just his passport. Does it feel like an excuse, like a bridge being open or a flat tyre? No, we have too good a relationship to doubt his story. Now he's flying later on an emergency travel document. Normally, he would arrive in the Netherlands at 9:30 on Tuesday morning. What does it mean for his availability? I do have my thoughts about that – the plan I had in mind will have to change. He won’t start, no. Being late means [going to] the bench? Everyone has the right to be late once in a while. No, it’s not a punishment.”
Donyell Malen roped in as Depay's replacement
Malen, who has scored 11 goals in 45 games for the Dutch, will likely start in place of Depay on Thursday. "He can also play as a striker. He's a permanent part of my group," Koeman added.
"Mexx Meerdink is also someone we're looking at with the future in mind. His development will determine how long it will take. Emanuel Emegha is also in the back of our minds. I hadn't yet made a final choice between him and Meerdink, but Emegha was already dealing with hamstring issues and was therefore unavailable.
"Meerdink has been a bit off in recent matches, but he now has a chance to show what he can do. I have a few players in mind who I’ll occasionally call up to take a closer look at. Whether [Brian] Brobbey and [Joshua] Zirkzee are still among those? If they get more playing time, they’ll be options again. And Sem Steijn? I think he needs to take the next step at the very highest level."
Getty Images SportWho are Netherlands going to face during this international break?
Koeman's troops have a relatively straightforward set of fixtures in the upcoming international break. They will face Malta on Thursday, whom they defeated 8-0 in June. It's a fixture they can navigate without any hassle, even in Depay's absence, their all-time top goal scorer. Then, they will host Finland on Sunday. The Oranje are currently at the top of Group G in World Cup qualifying, with 10 points from four games.