"It was a miracle that I reached the Champions League final.
You live towards that with the club, but it's not that because of that extra time I couldn't go to the World Cup anymore," said Timber.
His physical limitations became undeniable ahead of a scheduled warm-up fixture, forcing the ultimate decision.
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"My thoughts went up and down.
I had the hope and the feeling that I would be able to make it, but the day before the exhibition match against Uzbekistan I couldn't even train at maximum.
Then it stopped," said Timber.
Unable to provide scheduling guarantees to Koeman, Timber acknowledged that previous timeline setbacks influenced the realistic assessment of his fitness.
"I couldn't give that certainty to the national coach either.
Also because in the months before I already thought I would be back earlier, that also didn't work out," said Timber.
Despite watching from the sidelines, Timber remains engaged and expressed excitement for the upcoming round of 16 match against Morocco.
"It is not difficult to watch. I am really enjoying it.
I am also really looking forward to the match against Morocco," said Timber.
While recognizing the strength of the opposition, Timber expects a positive outcome for the Dutch national team.
"Morocco is a good team, it will be a nice game, but I do think a good victory for Oranje," said Timber.
The tournament holds a unique significance for Timber as his twin brother, Quinten Timber, is a member of the active squad.
"That is only fun. It even feels as if a part of me is just there.
It is his first major tournament, so I am especially super happy and proud of him," said Timber.
Quinten has fully recovered from a minor concussion sustained during the initial training camp and has re-entered full team activities.
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"He feels good, is in a good place and has therefore just joined the team again," said Timber.
