2026 World Cup - Netherlands: Jurriën Timber ruled out, replacement announced

World Cup 2026 Today at 14:07

Joshua SOSSOU

News Editor

The 2026 World Cup is just three days away. The Netherlands, set to face Japan on June 14, have been dealt a blow with the withdrawal of Jurriën Timber.

The Arsenal defender has not recovered in time from his injury and will have to pack his bags. Jurriën Timber has been swiftly replaced by Lutsharel Geertruida.

"Jurriën Timber will not participate in the 2026 World Cup. The 24-year-old defender has not sufficiently recovered from a groin injury to safely take part in the World Cup from a medical standpoint. After consultations with the medical staff, it has been decided that Timber will leave the national team’s training camp in New York after the match against Uzbekistan. We’re with you, Jurriën. Ronald Koeman has called up Lutsharel Geertruida (Sunderland) to replace Timber. The Dutch squad at the Kansas base camp is thus back to 26 players." reads the official statement.

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