The World Cup is only a matter of days away and it appears a verdict on Jurrien Timber’s injury has been reached not long before the start of the tournament
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber will not feature in the World Cup for the Netherlands after being deemed to injured to take part. The Gunners defender has been tormented by a persistent groin injury.
It was his groin which made him a heavy injury doubt for Arsenal’s Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain. He was eventually passed fit to feature against the Parisians, but did so from the bench.
Despite coming on in the 65th minute and playing over 30 minutes of extra time, Timber’s fitness was still a doubt going into the World Cup. Just before Ronald Koeman’s side took on Uzbekistan in a pre-tournament friendly, it was confirmed by his national team that he will not play at the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
A statement from the Netherlands international team said: “Jurriën 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, Jurriën.”
Timber will be replaced by Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida, who was on his country’s standby list. Geertruida did feature in a 1-0 defeat to Algeria in a friendly on June 3, but has now been officially confirmed in the squad.
This will not only come as a huge blow to his country, but also to his club. It goes to show there is still plenty of work needed to be done for Timber to overcome the groin issue which has troubled him for so long.
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