LONDON — Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has been replaced in the Netherlands World Cup squad by Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida, the Dutch football federation (KNVB) announced.
Premier League winner Timber, 24, has suffered a groin issue to add to Ronald Koeman’s injury list before their final pre-tournament friendly against Uzbekistan.
Attacker Xavi Simons as well as centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Stefan de Vrij have already been ruled out of the tournament.
“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,” the KNVB said.
“Ronald Koeman has called up Lutsharel Geertruida as Timber’s replacement,” it added according to AFP.
Koeman’s side begin their campaign against Japan on Sunday before facing Sweden and Tunisia in Group F.
