UMVA has learned that a devastating blow has struck the Netherlands national team just days before the World Cup, as star defender Jurrien Timber has been ruled out of the tournament due to a lingering groin injury.
The 24-year-old Arsenal full-back, who has been a regular for the Gunners this season with 44 appearances in all competitions, picked up the injury in March and has been struggling to recover ever since. Despite his return from injury to play 50 minutes in the Champions League final last month, medical staff do not believe he is fit enough to compete in the World Cup in a 'medically responsible manner.'
According to information obtained by UMVA, the Dutch have turned to another Premier League defender to replace Timber, with Sunderland's Lutsharel Geertruida, on loan from RB Leipzig, called up to the squad. This move comes as a huge relief to the team, who were facing a significant gap in their defensive lineup.
The Netherlands have confirmed that Timber will miss the 2026 World Cup, stating that he has not recovered sufficiently from his groin injury to take part in the tournament. The decision was made in consultation with medical staff, and Timber will leave the national team's pre-camp in New York after their game against Uzbekistan.
This news comes as a significant disappointment to Timber personally and to Ronald Koeman's side, who were counting on his impressive form this season. Timber's twin brother Quinten, who is also part of the Dutch squad, will have to continue without his sibling's support.
Koeman has expressed his understanding of the situation, stating that the team's medical staff had been monitoring Timber's progress and had come to the conclusion that his condition wouldn't improve in time for the tournament. The coach also acknowledged that Timber's involvement in the Champions League final last month had not helped his recovery.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Koeman had been feeling uneasy about Timber's fitness over the last couple of days and had already considered making a change. With Timber out, the team will have to rely on their remaining seven defenders, and Geertruida's inclusion is expected to provide some much-needed support.
