Xavi receives message from London: Timber returns to Arsenal

The brand‑new national team coach of the Oranje, Xavi Hernández, received big news from London this week: the Dutch defender Jurriën Timber is finally back on the road to Arsenal FC, after missing the 2026 World Cup due to an injury and will soon be playing again.

Timber's injury and missed World Cup

Timber missed the 2026 World Cup at the last moment because of his injury. His last official appearance was the lost Champions League final, against Paris Saint-Germain.

Possible return at Arsenal and impact on the Oranje

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said on Friday that Timber may make his return in the match squad against Sunderland: “We will see how he is doing. We still have a training session on Friday. He is doing very well, has been training with us for a few days and looks fit.”

For Arteta, Timber could be a great relief, because Christian Mosquera is injured. In addition, Ben White returns to the Spanish tactician’s list.

Xavi steadies the Netherlands and shares the lead in the Nations League

In the match against Sunderland, Timber could meet compatriots in goalkeeper Robin Roefs and former teammate and good friend Brian Brobbey.

Next Friday, Xavi will announce his first the Oranje squad, ahead of the Nations League fixtures against Germany, Serbia, Greece and Serbia again between 24 September and 4 October.

Timber’s return gives Xavi extra options for the upcoming internationals, strengthening the Oranje’s defensive choices.