Overview
- The KNVB announced on Monday that Timber has 'not recovered sufficiently' from a groin injury and will leave the Netherlands’ pre-camp after the friendly with Uzbekistan.
- Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida has been called up from the manager's standby list to replace Timber in the 26-man squad.
- Timber first suffered the groin problem on March 14, missed the Premier League run-in and then made a single substitute appearance in Arsenal’s Champions League final on May 30.
- Timber will return to England for assessment by Arsenal’s medical staff, who will determine whether rest, rehabilitation or further treatment is needed ahead of pre-season.
- The change comes days before the Netherlands move to their World Cup base and open against Japan on June 14, leaving Ronald Koeman with fewer versatile defensive options and increasing reliance on his existing backline.