Timber sits out Netherlands training; Xavi works with 25 players

Twenty-five players participated in the Netherlands’ training session on Tuesday afternoon in Zeist, with Jurriën Timber absent from the group drill. Journalists Rypke Bakker and Jeroen Kapteijns confirmed the omission.

The 25-year-old defender — capable of playing both centre-back and right-back — resumed national team duties only recently following an extended injury layoff. He did not join Monday’s session either, marking his second consecutive missed group training.

Bakker, reporting for nu.nl, stated that the decision to withhold Timber was made jointly by the Dutch national team staff and Arsenal, the club with which he is under contract.

Injury history and recent appearances

Timber has faced recurring physical setbacks over the past several months. He missed much of the final stretch of last season but featured for 60 minutes in the Champions League final.

A further complication arose shortly before the World Cup, prompting another absence — this time from the tournament itself.

Path to Nations League involvement

The current international window spans more than three weeks. Within that timeframe, Timber remains eligible for selection ahead of the Netherlands’ upcoming four UEFA Nations League fixtures.

His inclusion would offer him a chance to reassert himself under head coach Xavi. To date, Timber has earned 23 caps for the Netherlands national team.

He has yet to score for the national side.