The Netherlands World Cup camp was 'extremely frustrated' at Arsenal over Mikel Arteta's decision to play Jurrien Timber in the Champions League final, according to reports.
Timber's Injury and Champions League Appearance
Timber had been sidelined for several months with a groin injury and was initially expected to miss the final against PSG in Budapest. However, the 24-year-old came on as a 66th-minute substitute, making his first appearance in over two months. Arteta insisted Timber was 'fit to play' in the final, which Arsenal lost on penalties. Just nine days later, Timber was ruled out of the World Cup.
Netherlands' Reaction and Official Statement
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed that Timber had 'not recovered sufficiently' to take part in the tournament in a 'medically responsible manner.' They added: '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 [friendly] game against Uzbekistan.' According to The Sun, members of the Dutch World Cup camp are 'extremely frustrated' at Arteta's decision to risk Timber against PSG following his injury setback.
Timber's Heartbreak and World Cup Impact
Timber, who has 23 international caps, said: 'I’m heartbroken to miss the World Cup. Representing my country on the biggest stage is something I’ve always dreamed of, and it’s difficult to accept that injury has taken that opportunity away from me. While this isn’t the path I had hoped for, I trust that God has a plan greater than the one I can see right now.' The Netherlands topped Group F but were knocked out in the round-of-32 by Morocco after a penalty shootout. Manager Ronald Koeman stepped down after the disappointing exit, citing his wife's battle with breast cancer as a factor in his perspective.
Koeman's Departure and Reflection
Koeman, 63, said: 'Looking back on my career, I feel especially proud. I have worked with clubs and people that shaped me and gave me memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. We all dreamed of a World Cup in which we would write history. That didn’t work out. No-one is more disappointed about that than me. The past years have made me realise again that there are more important things than football. Football has been my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love is fighting a tough battle, your perspective changes.'
