Arsenal defender withdraws from World Cup due to injury

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has been withdrawn from the Netherlands' World Cup squad, having failed to recover from a nagging groin problem.

The Dutchman sustained the injury with the Gunners in March this year, but he returned in time for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Timber played almost 60 minutes in Budapest, coming on as a substitute, but it appears he may have suffered a fresh setback during the final game of the campaign.

In an official statement, the Netherlands have now confirmed that Timber won't be involved in the upcoming World Cup, as he is not deemed fit enough after his groin issue.

Timber will therefore return to Europe to continue his recovery. Lutsharel Geertruida has been called up to replace the Gunners ace in the 26-man Dutch squad.

Timber will be hoping to make a full recovery over the coming weeks such that he can report perfectly fit for pre-season with the Gunners next month.