The Netherlands have suffered a setback ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defender Jurriën Timber was ruled out of the tournament due to a groin injury.
The Arsenal full-back had only recently returned from a two-month spell on the sidelines, featuring in the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on May 30.
“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,” a team statement confirmed.
In response, head coach Ronald Koeman has drafted Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida as Timber’s replacement in the squad.
Netherlands are drawn in Group F alongside Japan, Sweden and Tunisia, and will open their World Cup campaign against Japan on June 14.
