Arsenal fans, you can breathe a sigh of relief. There’s nothing wrong with Jurriën Timber at this moment in time. In fact, Xavi expects him to play for the Netherlands in this international break.
Sport Witness reported on the defender this week after he was pictured sitting out of group training with the Netherlands.
The defender has only recently returned from an injury absence, playing limited minutes for Arsenal at the beginning of this season.
And reports explained that he was doing an individual training regime outside of the Netherlands group this week. He was the only one doing that. Pictures of him sat outside while the rest of the group trained obviously caused concern.
Xavi confident
But it was all for nothing, it seems. Xavi has now confirmed that all 26 players that he has called up are able to play against Germany.
The Oranje head coach insists that he has a fully fit squad available to him ahead of his first game on Thursday. Timber is included in that, something he confirmed at his press conference.
He even played down the 25-year-old sitting out group training. It seems that was done as part of ‘arrangements’ with Arsenal.
It seems the Gunners are keen to take things easy with the defender given he missed the World Cup in the summer and has sat out most of their start to the season already.
What role will he play?
Whether he starts on Thursday, is another matter.
For now, Xavi is keeping his team sheet close to his chest, besides Virgil van Dijk being in the heart of his defence. He recently decided to continue his international career after talks with the Netherlands boss.
It would be surprising if the Arsenal man is alongside him, though. Given the caution Arsenal are taking, and the consultations they’ve held with the Netherlands set up about him already.
🇪🇸 Monchi says Unai Emery wanted him at PSG, Arsenal and Aston Villa
➡️ Got to #AFC contract exchange but chose Sevillahttps://t.co/7uv43WOAFK #avfc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) September 22, 2026
