Depay to Miss Malta Match Due to Passport Issue,Koeman Confirms
Dutch national team coach Ronald Koeman announced Monday that Memphis Depay will not start in the upcoming match against Malta due to a last-minute passport issue. Depay traveled to the airport intending to join the team, but was unable to proceed without valid identification and has returned to obtain an emergency travel document. He is expected to arrive in the Netherlands tonight and join the squad tomorrow morning.
The situation presents a setback for both depay, the national team’s all-time leading scorer, and the Dutch side as thay begin preparations for their international matches. Koeman emphasized the disruption,stating,”This is annoying. In the first place for Memphis, but also for us. You naturally want to start the preparation for an international match with a complete selection.” The incident also creates an opportunity for younger players, such as newly-called-up striker Mexx Meerdink, to potentially feature in the squad.
Koeman explained the sequence of events, stating, “He went to the airport anyway, even though he didn’t have a passport.But he didn’t get through it and went back to look. Then the next step is to get an emergency document and then fly a day later.”
The coach also addressed the broader picture of the team’s forward line, noting the inclusion of Meerdink as a look towards the future, given the ages of Depay and Wout Weghorst. He indicated that players like Emanuel Emegha are also being monitored, while Brian Brobbey and Joshua Zirkzee remain options contingent on increased playing time at their respective clubs. “Eventually when they start playing more, they will remain options, but we also look further,” Koeman said.
