Holland boss Ronald Koeman is set to announce his World Cup squad later this month
Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has delayed his World Cup squad announcement – partially because he wants to know if Jurrien Timber will be available to feature in North America.
Mikel Arteta is refusing to accept the Arsenal right-back’s season is over, even though it’s now been nearly nine weeks since he sustained a groin injury against Everton.
He has not featured since but according to Arteta, he has made small progress in his recovery this week.
The Spaniard claims the Gunners will “do everything” to give Timber a chance of participating in the Champions League final against PSG on May 30 in Budapest.
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Earlier this week, Koeman confirmed he would announce his 26-man Oranje roster on May 27, as opposed to May 25.
He said: “By taking two extra days, we can be more certain that the players we are going to select are in good shape.
“Moreover, it gives us the opportunity to personally see, speak to and assess several players who are in contention for the final selection during training days on May 25, 26 and 27.
“This has no further impact on our original schedule, as preparation with the complete group starts on Saturday, May 30.
“I would therefore like to utilise the extra time this offers to take all aspects into account in the choices we make regarding the final selection.”
If Timber is not included it seems clear he won’t be able to feature in the Champions League final just three days later.
That said, the 24-year-old was named in the Holland squad for March friendlies against Norway and Ecuador prior to Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley but he later withdrew.
Arteta said on Thursday: “He wanted to be very close to the team. He’s progressed a little bit in the last few days. We’re going to try to get him fit and available as quickly as possible, but let’s see.
“He’s been out for a while, unfortunately. He’s such an important player for us. We all know that and he’s doing everything he can to help the team in any capacity. We know his leadership, his quality and how much the team needs him.”
Koeman wants to give the likes of Timber, Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert and Memphis Depay time to prove their fitness for the tournament.
The Netherlands will face Algeria and Uzbekistan in two final warm-up matches before embarking on their Group F campaign against Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.
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