Overview
- The Netherlands announced on Monday that Timber will leave the national team’s New York pre-camp because his groin problem has not recovered enough to play in a medically responsible way.
- Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida has been officially called up to replace Timber on the 26-man roster and will join the squad as they move to their Kansas City base ahead of the June 14 opener in Dallas.
- Timber first injured the groin on March 14 in Arsenal’s win over Everton, missed much of the season, and returned for about 54–55 minutes as a substitute in the Champions League final on May 30 before the Netherlands reassessed his fitness.
- The decision was taken in consultation with the Netherlands’ medical staff and hands Ronald Koeman a different defensive profile, since Geertruida offers versatility at right-back and centre-back but lacks Timber’s established international experience.
- Timber, who has 23 caps for the Netherlands, will return to Arsenal to focus on recovery ahead of pre-season, a move that prioritises his long-term health and could affect Arsenal’s plans for the start of the 2026–27 campaign.