Arsenal’s defender Jurrien Timber has been officially ruled out of the World Cup due to a groin injury. This setback comes as Timber had already missed the crucial Premier League run-in, where Arsenal secured their first title in 22 years.

Timber will depart from the Netherlands’ training camp in New York following the friendly match against Uzbekistan on Monday night. A statement issued by the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed that the 24-year-old defender has not sufficiently recovered to participate 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. We’re with you, Jurrien.”

Timber, who joined Arsenal from Ajax for £34m in the summer of 2023, sustained his injury during Arsenal’s home league victory against Everton in March. He managed to return just in time for the Gunners’ penalty shoot-out defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in last month’s Champions League final, coming off the bench in the 66th minute.

In Timber's absence, Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida will step in, having been on manager Ronald Koeman's stand-by list. The Netherlands will head to their base in Kansas City, Missouri after the match in New York.

The Dutch team is set to begin their World Cup campaign against Japan on 14 June, and they will also face Sweden and Tunisia in the group stage.