Arsenal star Jurrien Timber reveals World Cup heartache as injury rules him out

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Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has revealed he is devastated after being ruled out of the World Cup due to injury. The 24-year-old was unable to recover fully from the groin problem that has kept him sidelined since March.

Despite the full-back returning to training during the final week of the Premier League season and featuring for more than 50 minutes in the Champions League final defeat, he has not recuperated sufficiently to be considered for Ronald Koeman's squad. Consequently, Lutscharel Geertruida has been named as his replacement, off the back of his impressive displays with Sunderland .

Timber has broken his silence after missing out on the lifelong ambition of appearing at a World Cup, confessing: "it is difficult to accept".

In an Instagram post, he wrote: "Heartbroken to miss the World Cup. Representing my country on the biggest stage is something I've always dreamed of, and it's difficult to accept that injury has taken that opportunity away from me.

"While this isn't the path I had hoped for, I trust that God has a plan greater than the one I can see right now.

"Wishing the boys all the best. Make the nation proud!"

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In an official statement released on Monday, the Dutch football federation confirmed: "Jurriën Timber misses the 2026 World Cup.

"The 24-year-old defender has not recovered sufficiently from a groin injury to take part in the World Cup in a medically responsible manner.

"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."

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Timber is currently with the Holland national team in New York ahead of their tournament fixtures against Japan, Sweden and Tunisia. The full-back had taken part in the pre-competition photoshoot but will depart the camp following their victory over Uzbekistan in their final warm-up fixture.

The defender had shown how he and his brother were set to fulfil their shared dream after both being named in the World Cup squad this summer. Sadly, it will now fall to twin brother Quinten of Marseille to fly the flag for the family across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The Arsenal man failed to feature in their penultimate friendly against Algeria six days ago, a match they went on to lose 1-0.

Timber had been battling to regain fitness after being substituted during the first half of their 2-0 triumph over Everton March 14.