Arsenal star Julian Timber will miss the World Cup as the Netherlands chose not to risk an injury to the defender and was ruled out of the major tournament
Julian Timber excluded from World Cup
Julien Timber, who was ruled out of the Dutch national team this summer, will miss the World Cup with a groin injury.
The Arsenal right-back, who can play across the backline, has missed most of his Premier League appearances through injury, which has meant he has missed out on major competitions.
Timber was initially selected for manager Ronald Koeman’s World Cup squad despite his injury problems, but the team allowed him to leave after it was determined that his groin problem had not recovered sufficiently to take part in the tournament.
“The 24-year-old defender has not recovered sufficiently from his groin injury to take part in the World Cup in a medically responsible manner. Therefore, after consultation with the medical staff, it has been decided that Timber will leave the national team’s pre-training camp in New York after the match against Uzbekistan. We are with you, Julien,” the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said in a statement.
It was also stated that Timber “has not recovered sufficiently from his groin injury to participate in the World Cup in a medically responsible manner.”
Sunderland’s Lutcharel Gertruida was called up in Timber’s place. The Dutch have a number of Premier League stars in their squad, especially in the backline. Virgil van Dijk remains a strong presence, with Nathan Ake and Micky van de Ven also options. Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke, who Tottenham are targeting, is also in the mix.
The Netherlands were included in the World Cup group and will face Japan in the tournament’s opening match. They then face Graham Potter’s Sweden and Tunisia. The Netherlands advanced to the final four at Euro 2024, but lost to England in the last minute.
Julian Timber has been dealing with injury issues for several weeks (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Timber signed for Arsenal from Ajax in the summer of 2023 for £34 million, but was injured on his debut and missed the majority of the season. He suffered a groin injury in Arsenal’s home win against Everton in March and is now in a race against time until he can make a comeback.
The Dutchman returned in time for the Gunners’ penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in last month’s Champions League final. He came off the bench just after the hour mark, replacing Cristian Mosquera.
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