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Koeman says Arsenal's Jurrien Timber groin recovery looks uncertain for Champions League final and World Cup

Published 19 May 2026

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber faces a race against time to be fit for both the Champions League final and the upcoming World Cup, with Netherlands national team coach Ronald Koeman expressing significant concern over the player's recovery from a groin injury. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since mid-March after sustaining the injury during Arsenal's 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton.

Koeman provided a sobering update on Timber's condition, stating the player is training again to assess his availability for the critical club fixture and the international tournament. "He is training again to see if he can make the Champions League final, and be available for the World Cup, but it does not look rosy at the moment," Koeman said. He further described Timber's recovery process as having been "a rollercoaster ride" and noted the defender has been dealing with the issue for quite some time.

For Arsenal, Timber's potential absence is a major blow ahead of their final two matches of the season. The club faces Crystal Palace on Sunday with a chance to secure their first league title in 22 years. Six days later, they will meet Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in...

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