Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber likely to miss World Cup, says Koeman
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman admits Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is unlikely to be fit for next month’s World Cup because of an ongoing groin injury.
The versatile full-back has been sidelined since mid-March, leaving his availability for both club and country in severe doubt ahead of a crucial end to the season.
Arsenal face Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest next week, just days after a Premier League title decider against Crystal Palace.
Mikel Arteta is desperate to have the defender available following a significant leg injury to Ben White earlier this month.
‘A rollercoaster ride’
Koeman described the former Ajax star’s rehabilitation as a turbulent process.
“He is training again to see if he can make the Champions League final, and be available for the World Cup, but it does not look rosy at the moment.”
Ronald Koeman
If the London club’s medical staff cannot declare him fit, it will serve as another major blow for a national squad already severely depleted.
The Oranje will travel to the tournament without centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, midfielder Jerdy Schouten and forward Xavi Simons.
Depay on track for Japan opener
While the defensive crisis deepens, there is more positive news regarding the country’s all-time record goalscorer.
Memphis Depay has not featured for Brazilian side Corinthians since sustaining a thigh problem in late March, but his international manager expects an imminent return.
“He still has three matches with Corinthians before we get together as the Dutch national team. He really needs to get minutes in those matches.”
Ronald Koeman
The Dutch boss remains confident that the 32-year-old will secure valuable playing time before joining the national camp.
“I assume that will happen, and if everything goes well, he might even play 90 minutes in the final match. After that, we still have two weeks until our first World Cup match against Japan.”
Ronald Koeman
The Netherlands face Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia in Group F, hoping to improve upon their quarter-final exit to Argentina in 2022.