Netherlands Name Lutsharel Geertruida as Replacement for Injured Jurrien Timber

Jurrien Timber picked up a groin problem during Arsenal's 2-1 Premier League victory against Everton on Saturday, 14 March, which meant he had to skip Sunday's League Cup final versus Manchester City, a game Arsenal lost 2-0.

Lutsharel Geertruida, who has earned 19 caps for his country, appeared in the Netherlands' final two FIFA World Cup qualifiers last November, featuring for 74 minutes in the stalemate with Poland and 27 minutes in the 4-0 victory over Lithuania.

Sunderland's defender faced accusations of discriminatory treatment during Sunday's Tyne-Wear Derby versus Newcastle United, prompting a short pause in the action. After securing a 2-1 win, Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris shared an update regarding Geertruida.

"He (Geertruida) seems fine. Such behaviour is unacceptable, and it is vital to document and handle it correctly. He seems fine, but we must offer him our backing," he commented.

The Dutch team will face Norway in Amsterdam on 27 March, then take on Ecuador in Eindhoven on 31 March, just four days later.

View the complete Netherlands squad details in our piece HERE >