Jurrien Timber has withdrawn from the Dutch World Cup squad due to the groin injury that kept him out of the final two months of Arsenal’s season. Timber, who played 50+ minutes as a substitute in the Champions League final, was deemed not sufficiently recovered to participate in a medically responsible manner, according to Dutch national team doctors. Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida will take his spot in the squad.
Obviously, it’s a disappointment for Timber. His twin brother Quinten is also in the squad
and the two had made celebratory posts about playing for the Netherlands in a World Cup together. From an Arsenal perspective, getting Timber as fit and rested as possible for the upcoming season is important. He’s likely the starter but his availability issues since joining Arsenal have caused selection and rotation problems.
Of all the spots on the roster, right back is probably the most up in the air this summer. Timber will be coming off an injury. Ben White, who is also missing the World Cup through injury, might be sold. Cristhian Mosquera is more of a CB that can play RB than an actual RB. We all know Bukayo Saka had a bit of a down year — I’d suggest the disruption behind him played a part in that. The Gunners seem likely to buy a RB this summer.
In other news, William Saliba is starting for France in their final warm-up match. French newspaper L’Equipe reports that the CB is fit enough to play the tournament and will be managed through the problem. Saliba and Arsenal will decide on a treatment plan, which still could include a surgical repair, after the competition. While the best thing for the club would be to decide right now and get Saliba started towards being ready to go on opening day, players want to play in the World Cup. While keeping guys healthy is important, so is keeping them happy. Fingers crossed Saliba doesn’t make things worse nor create a recurring / lingering problem that will significantly hamper the upcoming club season.
