Injury Forces Timber to Miss World Cup for Netherlands

The Netherlands have suffered a significant setback ahead of the FIFA World Cup after defender Jurrien Timber was ruled out of the tournament due to a groin injury.

Timber, 24, has been struggling with the issue since mid-March and has not recovered sufficiently to participate in the competition, according to the Royal Dutch Football Association.

The defender had recently returned to action, making his first appearance in more than two months when he came off the bench during the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest on 30 May. He entered the match in the 66th minute against Paris Saint-Germain, marking his first appearance since a victory over Everton on 14 March.

Before the Champions League final, Mikel Arteta had indicated that Timber was fit enough to be involved.

However, after further medical assessment with the Dutch national team, officials concluded that the defender would not be able to take part in the World Cup safely.

The KNVB said Timber had “not recovered sufficiently” to compete in the tournament 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 friendly game against Uzbekistan,” the federation said in a statement.

Timber has been an important member of the Dutch squad since making his international debut in June 2021 and has earned 23 caps for the national team.

To replace him, Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has called up defender Lutsharel Geertruida. The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig.

The Dutch will begin their World Cup campaign against Japan on 14 June before facing Sweden and Tunisia in the remaining Group F fixtures.

Timber’s absence is a major blow for the Oranje, who had hoped the versatile defender would play a key role in their bid for World Cup success.