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Ronald Koeman has offered a worrying update on Jurrien Timber’s fitness.
The Arsenal defender is battling a groin problem and could miss the Champions League final, although his participation in the World Cup is now also uncertain.
Koeman offers grim update on Timber’s fitness
Timber faces an uncertain end to the season after Dutch coach Koeman issued a worrying update on the defender’s status.
The 24-year-old has been battling a groin injury which kept him out of action for Arsenal during a crucial stage of their campaign.
Timber has not featured since limping off Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton on March 14.
His absence has forced manager Mikel Arteta to adjust his defensive options as the club chases big honours.
The Gunners still have two key games left: a Premier League clash against Crystal Palace and the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Koeman questions the defender’s return
Koeman acknowledged that Timber’s recovery remains uncertain as the season nears its climax and international tournaments loom.
“Jurrien has been dealing with this for quite some time,” Koeman said. Ziggo Rondo Program. “Now he is training again to see if he can reach the Champions League final and if he is available for the World Cup. It’s not looking rosy at the moment.”
The injury blow comes at a crucial stage of the season
Timber had become an important part of Arsenal’s defensive system this season, appearing in 43 games in all competitions. However, his inducer injury has come at the worst possible time.
Arsenal are closing in on their first league title in 22 years as they prepare for the biggest European match in the club’s recent history.
For Timber personally, the stakes are high. Missing the Champions League final would be a huge disappointment, but Koeman’s comments suggest his participation in the next World Cup could also be at risk.
Race against time for the Arsenal defender
Arsenal will first focus on their final league match against Palace before turning their attention to the Champions League final against PSG.
Meanwhile, Timber continues to recover and train in a bid to return before the World Cup.
FIFA World Cup 2026: How to watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 matches of the tournament will be broadcast live on FOX (70) and FS1 (34) and each match will be streamed live and on-demand on both FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 matches, more than a third of the tournament, will be broadcast in prime time on FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The June 11 opening match between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will be streamed for free on Tubi, as will the United States’ opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).
