Jurrien Timber ruled out of World Cup in blow for Netherlands

Arsenal’s Dutch defender Jurrien Timber has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a groin injury.

>Timber, who missed the Premier League run-in as Arsenal clinched their first title in 22 years, will leave the Netherlands’ training camp in New York after Monday night’s friendly against Uzbekistan.

>A statement from the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) read: “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. We’re with you, Jurrien.”

>Timber, who signed for Arsenal from Ajax for £34m in the summer of 2023, sustained a groin injury in Arsenal’s home league win against Everton in March.

>He returned to contention in time for the Gunners’ penalty shoot-out defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in last month’s Champions League final and came off the bench to replace Cristhian Mosquera in the 66th minute.

>Timber will be replaced by Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida, who had been on manager Ronald Koeman's stand-by list. The Dutch team will head to their base in Kansas City, Missouri, after the match in New York.

>The Netherlands begin their campaign against Japan on 14 June and also face Sweden and Tunisia.

>PA