ZEIST (DA) — Lutsharel Geertruida has been placed on the Netherlands’ standby list as coach Ronald Koeman waits to determine whether Jurriën Timber will be fit enough to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ian Maatsen also has been placed on standby because of the uncertainty surrounding Timber, who was named in the Netherlands squad despite not playing for Arsenal since March 14 because of injury.
Timber played a key role in an Arsenal season that included a Premier League title and a place in Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. Koeman said the defender was expected to return to group training with Arsenal as the club assesses whether he can play in the final.
Geertruida and Maatsen give Koeman two defensive options should Timber be unable to join the Netherlands for the World Cup.
Koeman also confirmed that Mats Wieffer can be used at right back after playing much of the season in that position for Brighton & Hove Albion. Denzel Dumfries is also among the defenders selected by the Netherlands.