Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber will miss the 2026 World Cup after failing to recover from a groin injury, the Dutch Football Association confirmed Monday.
The 24-year-old has not progressed enough to compete in the tournament in a “medically responsible” manner. His absence deals a blow to the Netherlands ahead of their Group F campaign in North America against Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia.
Timber struggled with the injury during the closing stages of Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning season, though he played 54 minutes of their Champions League final defeat on penalties to Paris St Germain on May 30.
He will be replaced in Ronald Koeman’s squad by Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida. The setback disrupts defensive plans just days before the Netherlands open their campaign against Japan in Dallas on Sunday.