Sport nationJurrien Timber likely to play for Arsenal this season as Mikel Arteta handed major injury update
Jurrien Timber could potentially play for Arsenal again after latest update adds encouragement to the hope of a quicker return.
Jurrien Timber has provided reason to be optimistic about an early return which is “quite likely” according to expert.
Jurrien Timber has provided reason to be optimistic about an early return which is “quite likely” according to expert.
Arsenal have been given a serious boost for their title ambitions with increasing optimism that Jurrien Timber could return to play for the club again this season. The Dutch international has been out since around 50 minutes into his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest after surgery was needed to repair his anterior cruciate ligament.
The Dutch international had caught the eye of fans for his versatility to play in either full-back role and provide both offensive and defensive support to the team. He created a problem for his new teammates with the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko theorising that his new team member might be even better than him.
However, in a recent interview with football.london, the former Ajax man provided an upbeat response to questions regarding his potential return.
“I feel like it’s going pretty quick,” he says of his recovery. “I’m making good progress and also the knee is reacting very well so I’m happy with the way things are going. Let’s just see how things are going and how long it will be still.”
ACL injuries typically take between seven to nine months to recover fromfootball.london was told. With the injury occurring in early August, this would have put a March to May timeframe in general.
Doctor of physiotherapy and Arsenal supporter Dr Rajpal Brar replied to a question on X, formerly known as Twitter, being asked if the comments from Timber were reason to believe he might play
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“I can’t use the word guarantee but based on this, it’s looking quite likely that he does play again this season.” He added in a further separate post that it “bodes well” for the Netherlands defender.
Arsenal’s hopes of a Premier League title would certainly benefit from a return of Timber. Takehiro Tomiyasu is currently missing and both Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko have missed games this season with their own fitness issues.
That said, Timber should not be taken for granted. A quick return could negate all the hard work of rehabilitation and instead waiting for a full recovery ahead of next season might be preferred – but it is still a reason for fans to get excited.
Arsenal are often seen as a side who can be got at down their left-hand side as Zinchenko moves into the midfield. What Timber provided was the cover defensively whilst offering his technical ability in the final third.pppp
Arsenal have a tricky end to the season third.pppplwith away trips to Wolves, Tottenham and Manchester United in their final five games. Could Timber be back to help navigate these fixtures? Only time will tell.
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