Jurrien Timber has returned to the Netherlands squad for their upcoming Nations League fixtures after sitting out the opener against Germany due to workload management, while Liverpool defender Jeremie Frimpong missed the final 23-man cut under new head coach Xavi.
The Dutch national team has handled a busy international window with significant squad adjustments under new management. Head coach Xavi took charge of his inaugural match last Thursday, securing a 1-1 draw against Germany at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff Arena.
Jurrien Timber Returns After Careful Workload Management
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber’s inclusion in the active roster for upcoming matches follows a carefully monitored rehabilitation program. The 25-year-old previously missed group training sessions, sparking concern among supporters following a frustrating period that included a groin problem and a long-term recovery from an ACL injury that cost him a place at the World Cup.
To avoid a recurrence of those physical setbacks, both club and international medical staff coordinated a modified schedule. Xavi addressed the cautious approach during a press conference prior to the Germany fixture.
“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.”
Xavi Hernandez, Netherlands Head Coach
Although Timber was left out of the initial 26-man matchday sheet for the draw with Germany, discussions between the Arsenal medical staff and national team coaches ensured his gradual reintegration. Having recently made his first start of the season in a 3-0 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium, Timber is now positioned to secure valuable playing minutes.
Jeremie Frimpong Missing from Final Selection
While Timber’s return bolstered the defensive options, teammate Jeremie Frimpong experienced a starkly different outcome. The Liverpool full-back was the sole member of the Oranje international setup to miss out on Xavi’s final 23-man squad for the subsequent encounter against Serbia.
Frimpong arrived at Anfield following a high-profile move from Bayer Leverkusen, where Liverpool activated his £29.5 million release clause after he played a key role in Xabi Alonso's Bundesliga-winning campaign. However, replicating that offensive output in the English top flight has proven difficult during his debut season on Merseyside. Having featured in only three of the club’s opening five league fixtures, his current club form appears to have influenced his international standing.
Joshua Zirkzee Called Up Following Brian Brobbey Injury
Further changes to the Dutch camp came in the attacking third after forward Brian Brobbey sustained a hamstring injury during the 35th minute of the draw with Germany. Brobbey departed in the first half, clutching his hamstring, and subsequently returned to his club, Sunderland.
To fill the vacancy, the Dutch football association added Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee to the squad. Zirkzee last featured for the national team in November 2024 against Bosnia. The Red Devils forward traveled to join the roster ahead of their fixture against Serbia in Belgrade, with subsequent matches scheduled against Greece in Thessaloniki and a return fixture against Serbia in Eindhoven.