Jurrien Timber ruled out of 2026 World Cup, Netherlands call up Lutsharel Geertruida
The Dutch Football Association announced that Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup because a groin injury has not healed sufficiently. Medical staff deemed his participation would not be "medically responsible," and he will leave the national team’s pre‑camp in New York after the friendly against Uzbekistan.
Lutsharel Geertruida, a 25‑year‑old right‑back from Sunderland, has been named as Timber’s replacement in the Netherlands squad. Timber, who made 44 appearances for Arsenal last season and played over 50 minutes in the Champions League final, had been capped 23 times by the Dutch side. The Netherlands enter Group F with Japan, Sweden and Tunisia, opening their campaign on 14 June.
The decision removes a key defensive option for coach Ronald Koeman and forces a reshuffle of the back‑line ahead of the tournament.