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Is Jurrien Timber alright after early Netherlands sub?

Jurrien Timber didn’t complete the full 90 minutes for the Netherlands on Saturday, but there’s no suggestion of an injury setback for the Arsenal man.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS: Loic Nego of Hungary is challenged by Jurrien Timber of Netherlands during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A3 match between Netherlands and Hungary at the Johan Cruijff Arena on November 16, 2024. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber made his return to the Dutch national team on Saturday, making his first international start since March 2023 and his first appearance on any kind since September, having missed the October break through injury.

As in September, it was notable that Timber was used as a left-back. That wasn’t something he’d ever done for the national team before joining Arsenal, but Ronald Koeman has clearly been watching how Mikel Arteta has utilised the 23-year-old.

It was also worth noting that Timber was withdrawn early from the contest, particularly given all of his recent injury woes.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal leaves the pitch after picking up an injury during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2024. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Timber came off after 68 minutes, but the context of the substitution gave no cause for concern.

The Netherlands had just gone 3-0 up, securing the result, and Timber had just picked up a yellow card. For both fitness and the potential risk of a second yellow, the substitution made sense.

There was no hint of an injury, and Timber came off as one of a couple of concurrent substitutions.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain on October 01, 2024. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

The Netherlands ultimately won the match 4-0, and Timber’s performance was largely praised as solid and dependable.

The former Ajax man completed 98% of his passes, creating one chance, completing both of his dribbles and having a shot on target. His next chance to play for his country will come on Tuesday, November 19th, as the team travel away to Bosnia & Herzegovina at 19:45 GMT.

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