Article by Tudor Belivacă – Published Monday, 08 June 2026 21:50 / Updated Monday, 08 June 2026 21:52
The Dutch Football Association announced on Monday that Jurrien Timber (24), his quarterback Arsenalis medically ineligible for the 2026 World Cup due to a groin injury that continues to plague the player. The selector Ronald Koeman urgently summoned Lutsharel Geertruida (25 years old).
Despite uncertainties surrounding his fitness, Timber joined the Netherlands national team training camp in New York, where he was closely monitored by the medical team. In recent days, several tests were carried out to assess the possibility of the defender playing in the tournament, but the final decision was negative.
Jurrien Timber is OUT of the Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup
Richarlison and Jurrien Timber in Arsenal – Tottenham / Photo: Imago Images
The Dutch international had been dealing with this physical problem for several months. However, he recently made a comeback and played in the Champions League final against him PSGa game won by the Parisians on penalty kicks. Although he played in the last act, Timber was uncertain before that game, but was forced by Arteta. He entered the field in the 66th minute and replaced Mosquera.
Ronald Koeman summoned Geertruida as a substitute. The defender who played for Sunderland this season was part of the preliminary list and has now joined the World Cup squad.
-
Jurrien Timber has been at Arsenal since 2023. He has only played for seniors at Ajax. This season he was the undisputed starter at right back, in the periods when he did not suffer from medical problems. This season he played 44 matches in all competitions, scoring 4 goals and providing 7 assists. According to Transfermarkt, Timber has missed 15 games this season. It is quoted by specialized websites at 70 million euros.
-
Lutsharel Geertruida played for Sunderland this year on loan from Leipzig. He played 31 games in all competitions for the Premier League outfit and did not score offensively. It is quoted by specialized websites at 20 million euros.
Netherlands squad for the World Championship
-
Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)
-
Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Denzel Dumfries (Inter), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Lutsharel Geertruida (RB Salzburg), Micky van de Ven (Spurs), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton), Mats Wieffer (Brighton)
-
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (FC Barcelona), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Guus Til (PSV), Quinten Timber (Olympique Marseille)
-
Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Noa Lang (Galatasaray), Donyell Malen (Roma), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham), Wout Weghorst (Ajax)
