Just a few days before the World Cup is due to get under way, Jurrien Timber has been withdrawn from the Netherlands team due to the groin injury that disrupted the latter stages of his season.
Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida has been called up to replace him.
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, interacts with Jurrien Timber of Arsenal as he is substituted during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
KNVB said in a statement on Monday, “Jurrien Timber misses the 2026 World Cup. The 24-year-old defender has not recovered sufficiently from a groin injury to take part in the World Cup in a medically responsible manner.
“In consultation with the medical staff, it has therefore been decided that Timber will leave the national team’s pre-camp in New York after the game against Uzbekistan. We’re with you, Jurrien.”
Timber returned to play in Arsenal’s Champions League final against PSG after missing 12 games. He picked up what had been a troublesome groin injury against Everton in mid-March but now questions will certainly be asked of the Arsenal medical team who cleared him to feature in that game.
The news is no doubt gutting for the defender who has, when fit, shown himself to be one of the best full-backs on the planet.
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