Dutch defendsč Jurrien Timber will miss the 2026 World Cup after failing to recover from a groin injury, the Dutch Football Association announced on Monday, which said the 24-year-old had not progressed enough to compete in the tournament in a “medically responsible” manner.
The absence of the Arsenal defender is a blow to the Netherlands ahead of their campaign in Group F in North America, where they face Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.
Timber struggled with injury during the closing stages of Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning season, although he did play 54 minutes in their Champions League final defeat on penalties to Paris St. Germain on May 30.
Ronald Koeman’s son married &cacut;e ga branič Sunderlanda Lutsharel Geertruida.
The Netherlands open against Japan in Dallas on Sunday.