Sunderland's Geertruida to replace injured Jurrien Timber in Netherlands squad

Sunderland's Lutsharel Geertruida celebrates Chemsdine Talbi's goal against Newcastle United

Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida has been called up as the replacement of injured Arsenal defender JurriBn Timber for the Netherlands' upcoming friendlies.

Timber suffered a groin injury in Arsenal's 2-1 Premier League win over Everton on Saturday, March 14th, and was forced to miss Sunday's League Cup final against Manchester City, which Arsenal lost 2-0.

Geertruida, a 19-time international, featured in both of the Netherlands' last two FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November, playing 74 minutes in the draw against Poland and 27 minutes in the 4-0 win over Lithuania.

Lutsharel Geertruida during the Netherlands' FIFA World Cup qualifier against Poland in November 2025

The Sunderland defender was the target of alleged 'discriminatory abuse' in Sunday's Tyne-Wear Derby against Newcastle United, which temporarily stopped the match. Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris provided an update on Geertruida following the 2-1 win.

"He (Geertruida) looks OK. It is unacceptable, and important to report and manage the situation properly. He looks OK, but we ⁠need to support ⁠him," he said.

The Netherlands play Norway in Amsterdam on March 27th, four days before facing Ecuador in Eindhoven on March 31st.

Check the full Netherlands squad in our article HERE >