Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has cast doubt over whether Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber will be fit in time for the World Cup next month.
Timber has been out since mid-March with a groin injury, and Koeman admitted the situation does not look promising. Speaking on Dutch television, he said the player has been going through a difficult time and is working to be available for the Champions League final as well as the tournament, but that things are not looking great at the moment.
There is better news, however, regarding striker Memphis Depay. The Netherlands’ all-time top scorer, who has netted 55 goals for his country, picked up a thigh injury at the end of March and has not played for his Brazilian club Corinthians since. Koeman is hopeful the 32 year old will get some minutes under his belt in the coming weeks before linking up with the national squad.
The Dutch head into the World Cup already without three players through injury, with defender Matthijs de Ligt, midfielder Jerdy Schouten and attacker Xavi Simons all ruled out. They face Japan, Sweden and Tunisia in the group stage.
