Frimpong Omitted as Timber Returns to Netherlands Squad for Serbia Clash
Jeremie Frimpong has been left out of the Netherlands’ final 23-man squad for Sunday night’s Nations League meeting with Serbia, while Jurrien Timber has returned after an injury concern.
The Liverpool defender had been among the substitutes for Xavi’s first match in charge, the 1-1 draw against Germany on Thursday. But UEFA’s official registration for the Serbia game confirms Frimpong is the only player from the current Oranje group excluded from the active squad.
Quick facts
- Frimpong is absent from the Netherlands’ 23-player list to face Serbia on Sunday.
- Timber is back in the squad after missing the Germany draw through an injury issue.
- Frimpong has started three of Liverpool’s first five league games this season.
- The 25-year-old has won 15 Netherlands caps since his 2023 senior debut.
The omission is a setback for Frimpong as he attempts to establish himself under new head coach Xavi. He will not be involved on Sunday despite being available on the bench for the opening fixture of the international window.
Timber’s recovery has strengthened the Dutch defensive options. The Arsenal player was unavailable against Germany but has been passed fit for the Serbia match.
Frimpong joined Liverpool after the club triggered the £29.5 million release clause in his Bayer Leverkusen contract. He arrived with a major reputation after producing 14 goals and 10 assists in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-winning campaign under Xabi Alonso, a season that also ended with a Europa League final appearance.
His impact at Anfield has been more limited. Signed as the successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Frimpong recorded no goals and one assist in all competitions during his first Liverpool season, and he has yet to secure an automatic starting place this term.
There remains time for him to force his way back into the Netherlands picture during the break. Greece and another Serbia fixture are still to come, offering Frimpong a chance to regain Xavi’s trust.
Frimpong was also left out of Ronald Koeman’s World Cup squad during the summer, despite having collected 15 senior international appearances since making his debut in 2023.
