Jurriën Timber says he is heartbroken after World Cup injury

Jurriën Timber posted on Instagram that he is heartbroken after a groin injury forced him out of the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Lutsharel Geertruida will replace him in the Dutch World Cup squad. Timber wrote that he had always dreamed of representing his country on the biggest stage and that it is difficult to accept the injury taking that chance from him. Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said he feels for Timber and noted that the defender has not been fit for a long time and still suffers complaints, with his situation improving slowly. Koeman added that Timber’s recent return in the Champions League final, where Arsenal lost to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, did not help his condition. The 24‑year‑old from Utrecht missed the Euro 2024 tournament while recovering from an ACL injury and now misses the World Cup, after having played at Euro 2021 and the 2022 World Cup. Timber will support the Netherlands from home as they open the tournament against Japan, wishing the team success and urging them to make the country proud.