Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber ruled out of World Cup 2026

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has been replaced in the Netherlands squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 by Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida, the Dutch football federation (KNVB) announced on Monday.

Premier League winner Timber, 24, has suffered a groin issue to add to Ronald Koeman’s injury list before their final pre-tournament friendly against Uzbekistan on Monday.

Attacker Xavi Simons, as well as centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Stefan de Vrij, have already been ruled out of the tournament.

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“In consultation with the medical staff, it has therefore been decided that Timber will leave the national team’s pre-camp in New York after the game against Uzbekistan,” the KNVB said.

“Ronald Koeman has called up Lutsharel Geertruida as Timber’s replacement,” it added.

Koeman’s side begin their campaign against Japan on Sunday before facing Sweden and Tunisia in Group F.

Netherlands squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland).

Defenders: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton), Nathan Ake (Man City), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Lutsharel Geertruida (Sunderland).

Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Tijjani Reijnders (Man City), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Quinten Timber (Marseille), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Guus Til (PSV), Mats Weiffer (Brighton).

Forwards: Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Donyell Malen (Roma), Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Noa Lang (Galatasaray/Napoli), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Wout Weghorst (Ajax), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham).

Manager: Ronald Koeman

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