Arsenal fitness woes rise as Jurrien Timber withdraws from Netherlands squad | OneFootball

The defender will join Riccardo Calafiori in an early return to the Gunners’ training base

Withdrawn: Jurrien Timber

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Arsenal are counting the cost of the international break with Jurrien Timber joining Riccardo Calafiori in withdrawing early from his national team squad.

Reports in Italy suggest the centre-back could be sidelined for up to three weeks, throwing his involvement against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals firmly into doubt.

Back at the Gunners ' training base, Calafiori will be joined by fellow Arsenal defender Timber.

Timber on Thursday evening sat out the Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Spain due to an illness which has now proven severe enough for him to withdraw from international duty entirely.

Aston Villa defender Ian Maatsen, who is uncapped, has been called up as cover.

Netherlands will also have to do without 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato, who is suspended after being shown a red card during the Nations League quarter-final first leg.