Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after failing to recover from a groin injury, dealing a major setback to both the Netherlands and the Premier League champions just days before the tournament begins.
The Dutch Football Association confirmed that the 24-year-old has been withdrawn from Ronald Koeman’s squad after medical staff concluded he was not fit enough to participate safely. Timber had initially been included in the Netherlands’ 26-man World Cup squad despite concerns over his fitness.
A statement from the Dutch camp said Timber had not recovered sufficiently from the groin problem and would leave the team’s training base in New York following their final warm-up match against Uzbekistan.
The injury dates back to March when Timber was forced off during Arsenal’s victory over Everton. He subsequently missed a significant portion of the season before making a brief return as a substitute in Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Despite hopes that he could regain full fitness in time for the World Cup, the defender has now been ruled out.
His absence ends hopes of featuring alongside twin brother Quinten Timber on football’s biggest stage. Both brothers had originally been named in Koeman’s squad, creating one of the tournament’s most intriguing family storylines.
The Netherlands have moved quickly to name a replacement, calling up Lutsharel Geertruida. The versatile defender spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig and made 30 appearances during the campaign.
While Timber’s withdrawal weakens Dutch defensive depth, Koeman still has several experienced options available, including captain Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Aké, Denzel Dumfries and Micky van de Ven.
The Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign against Japan before taking on Sweden and Tunisia in Group F as they chase a first-ever world title. The Dutch have finished runners-up three times but have never lifted the trophy.
For Arsenal, the decision may provide some consolation. Timber will now have the opportunity to focus fully on his recovery ahead of the new season after a campaign that was repeatedly disrupted by injury.
