New Arsenal player joins Riccardo Calafiori in withdrawing from international duty

The Gunners were handed a blow on Thursday night when Riccardo Calafiori was forced off in stoppage time of Italy's 2-1 defeat to Germany in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.

Calafiori limped past reporters on his way out of the Stadium, stating that he was unsure about the severity of his injury.

Italy have since confirmed that Calafiori has pulled out of the squad and returned to his club after he sustained an injury to his left knee.

Calafiori is not the only defender returning to Arsenal earlier than expected, with Timber set to head back to North London following his withdrawal from Ronald Koeman's Netherlands squad.

Timber withdraws from Netherlands squad

Timber was a notable absentee for the Netherlands' 2-2 draw against Spain in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final clash.

The Dutch national team confirmed in a social media post that Timber was unavailable for the match in Rotterdam due to illness.

In a fresh update on X, the Netherlands announced that Timber has withdrawn from the squad after it was deemed that he would not be ready for Sunday's second leg in Valencia.

The post read: "Ian Maatsen will join the squad in Zeist tonight. He will replace Jurrin Timber, who is not available to play on Sunday due to illness."

When are Arsenal next in action?

Timber will be disappointed to miss out on representing his country, but he should recover in time to be ready for Arsenal's return to Premier League action.

Mikel Arteta's side will welcome Fulham to the Emirates Stadium on April 1, before they travel to Goodison Park four days later for a meeting with Everton.

The Gunners will then play host to Real Madrid on April 8 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

Timber is expected to have a key role to play in the final two months of the season, having made 40 competitive appearances in 2024-25, chipping in with two goals and three assists.

Written by

Ben Sully