Netherlands’ record scorer Memphis Depay will miss his country’s World Cup qualifier away to Malta on Thursday after saying his passport was stolen in Brazil, where he plays for Corinthians.

Depay, 31, broke Robin van Persie’s record with two goals in the 3-2 victory away to Lithuania in the Netherlands’ last Group G qualifier, taking him to 52, but will miss a chance to boost his tally against Malta, who the Dutch beat 8-0 at home in June.

He is expected to leave on Monday for Amsterdam having missed his scheduled Sunday departure.

“The plan I had in mind for this week will ultimately change somewhat because of this,” coach Ronald Koeman told a Monday press conference. “He won’t start, no.”

Earlier a statement from the Dutch FA said: “The player has announced that his passport was sto

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