Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that left-back Jurrien Timber is set to rejoin the squad next week as he continues to recover from a minor setback.
MIKEL ARTETA PROVIDES JURRIEN TIMBER INJURY UPDATE
The 23-year-old was suffering from a foot problem due to load management as he approached full fitness from the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury he suffered last season.
Timber was seen as a superstar signing from Ajax last summer but he made one Premier League appearance before moving to the injury room in the opening game of the 2023/24 season. He returned in the final game of the season against Everton but the defender was still working on his fitness.
Arteta has now provided much relief to the Arsenal fans by speaking about the former Ajax star and his much-anticipated return date.
Arteta on Timber: “It is fine. He has been doing some individual work. We expect him to be ready to train with the group next week.”
On Tomiyasu: “It will take weeks on that one, unfortunately. He is going to have to be patient.” #AFC
— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) August 11, 2024
The Spanish manager was talking to the media before his team’s final preseason game against Lyon. As quoted by Football London, he said:
“It’s fine. He’s been doing some individual work. It’s clear now. We expect him to be ready to train with the group because he has no reactions. So quite positive.”
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This is a piece of great news for the fans since they are waiting to see the talented youngster exhibit his qualities at the Emirates. The medical team is taking full precautions with his recovery process and it is only a matter of time before we see him featuring in the starting XI.
Timber also posted a cryptic message on X which further indicates that he might return very soon.
🧑🍳
— Jurrien Timber (@JurrienTimber) August 10, 2024
ARTETA’S SELECTION HEADACHE AS TIMBER NEARS RETURN
The Dutch international’s arrival will give more options to the Gunners in defence. New left-back signing Riccardo Calafiori will provide competition to Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Meanwhile, Kieran Tierney continues to be linked away from North London.
However, the fans would need to be more patient with Takehiro Tomiyasu. As per the manager, it will take a few weeks for him to recover fully. Midfielder Fabio Vieira continues to recover from a minor hip problem he suffered during preseason.
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Arsenal have done well in the past five preseason games and they will be going the the new 2024/25 Premier League season with their heads held high. They have won three, drew one and lost one of those games.
