Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has been named in the Netherlands matchday squad for the Nations League showdown against Serbia. The 23-year-old was one of three players left out of the 26-man squad on Thursday as the Netherlands rescued a point at home to Germany.
Xavi explains Timber caution
New head coach Xavi Hernandez allayed fears over an injury setback by explaining in a press conference that he would be “a bit careful” with Timber and that discussions had taken place with the Arsenal medical staff over managing his workload.
“We are now focused on [Thursday night], not on the rest of the matches,” Xavi said. “We are ready. We have to be a bit careful with Jurrien Timber, who was injured for a long time. But he is available, that goes for everyone.”
Timber’s season so far
It remains to be seen if the Spaniard opts to give Timber minutes against Serbia on Sunday evening, but he has the option after naming the Arsenal defender among the substitutes for the Nations League clash, alongside his brother Quinten.
Timber, who missed the World Cup, underwent minor surgery over the summer and that delayed his start to the season as he missed the first five matches. He made a substitute appearance in the 2-0 win over Sunderland on September 12, seeing a second half goal ruled out for offside, and was then left out of the squad to face Ipswich in the Carabao Cup.
Amid injuries to Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera, Timber made his first start of the season in the 3-0 loss to Brighton, playing for an hour at the Amex Stadium and coming through unscathed.
Upcoming fixtures
Netherlands will face Greece on October 1 and take on Serbia again three days later, this time at home, and Timber is expected to play some part in this block of matches.
