Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber was replaced by Lutscharel Geertruida after failing to recover from an injury
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber says he is heartbroken after being forced to miss out on the World Cup through injury. The 24-year-old failed to return to full fitness from the groin injury that had forced him out since March.
Despite the full-back returning to training during the last week of the Premier League campaign and playing over 50 minutes during the Champions League final defeat, he hasn’t recovered enough to be considered for selection for Ronald Koeman’s side. As a result, Lutscharel Geertruida has been selected to deputise in his position, following his performances with Sunderland.
Timber has spoken out for the first time after missing out on one of his childhood dreams of playing at a World Cup, admitting “it is difficult to accept”.
He wrote in a post on Instagram: “Heartbroken to miss the World Cup. Representing my country on the biggest stage is something I’ve always dreamed of, and it’s difficult to accept that injury has taken that opportunity away from me.
“While this isn’t the path I had hoped for, I trust that God has a plan greater than the one I can see right now.
“Wishing the boys all the best. Make the nation proud!”
In a statement, published on Monday, the Dutch football federation 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.”
Timber is with the Holland national team in New York ahead of their tournament against Japan, Sweden and Tunisia. The full-back had featured in the pre-competition photoshoot but will leave the camp following their win over Uzbekistan in their final warm-up match.
The defender had showcased how he and his brother were set to live their dreams together after being selected for the World Cup this summer. But instead, twin brother, Quinten of Marseille, will represent them across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The Arsenal stopper didn’t feature in their penultimate friendly against Algeria six days ago, which they lost 1-0.
Timber had faced a race against time to be fit after being withdrawn during the first-half of their 2-0 win over Everton on March 14.
He faced a long recovery and was touch-and-go for the final against PSG before Mikel Arteta opted to bring him on during the second-half, before losing on penalties.
