National team boss insists Arsenal player ‘available’ despite missing match

New Netherlands boss Xavi has insisted that Jurrien Timber is available, despite now missing both a training session and their opening game.

Jurrien Timber’s fitness status has been a topic of discussion over the international break so far, with the right-back not playing a full part in training with the Netherlands.

Timber has now been left out the squad to face Germany, with Xavi having to cut three players due to the restriction on numbers.

That’s despite the new Netherlands boss telling a press conference this week that Timber was available for the Germany game.

“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.”

As with most teams over the extended September-October break, the Netherlands have four matches to play. They’ll kick things off at home to Germany on Thursday, before trips to Serbia and Greece, followed by a return fixture at home to Serbia to wrap things up.

Timber’s preparation for the opening game was certainly disrupted, having not taken part in training on Tuesday.

Dutch outlet Voetbal International reported that Timber is currently following an individual programme, due to the after-effects of his recent injury. In consultation with Arsenal, Timber will be following a modified schedule whilst on international duty.

The good news is obviously that Timber hasn’t suffered another injury setback. Arsenal fans will be particularly concerned about that possibility, so soon after getting the 25-year-old back in action.

Timber has only played 45 minutes against Sunderland and 60 against Brighton & Hove Albion so far this season, with Arsenal clearly wary about asking him to do too much too soon.

Between those two Arsenal appearances, Timber was rested completely for the League Cup game against Ipswich Town, not even making the bench. Hopefully the Netherlands use him in a similarly cautious manner.

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