Jurrien Timber has not hit the pitch since sustaining an ACL injury on August 12 but Arsenal are now considering a return in a surprise game as his recovery progresses.
The 22-year-old was the second of Mikel Arteta’s star summer signings after Kai Havertz arrived at Emirates Stadium. Deals for Declan Rice and David Raya followed at Arsenal as the north London giants moved to build a squad capable of fighting for the Premier League title.
But while Timber instantly established himself as an important cog in Arsenal’s defence over pre-season, his top-flight campaign lasted just 50 minutes. The Dutchman fell to the floor at home to Nottingham Forest unchallenged and would also require surgery for the ACL injury.
Timber could return when Arsenal visit Blackburn’s U21s
Now, though, football.london reports that ‘there is a chance’ Arsenal could see Timber make a long-awaited return from injury when they visit Blackburn Rovers’ Under-21s. The Gunners go to the Lancashire FA County Ground on Saturday, March 16 for a Premier League 2 game.
Timber has taken part in group training sessions at London Colney for a number of weeks to progress his rehabilitation. The centre-half, who featured regularly in pre-season as a left or a right-back, could also benefit from Arsenal’s lengthy wait until their next first-team fixture.
Arsenal do not play another game until they visit Premier League title rivals Manchester City on March 31. The Gunners were originally due to host Chelsea on March 16 but the Premier League postponed the last game before the international break due to the Blues’ FA Cup tie.
Arteta will love Timber returning but will manage his injury
It is unlikely that Arteta will risk Timber returning from his injury when they visit Manchester City. But Arsenal can use their extended break in games to schedule a behind-closed-doors friendly for Timber to gain more minutes as they consider a return against Blackburn’s U21s.
Getting Timber back for the run-in could prove hugely beneficial for Arteta, too. Arsenal still have 10 Premier League games to play, plus a potential five Champions League ties after the squad made the quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years with Raya’s heroics against Porto.
Timber could even feature in Arsenal’s quarter-final first-leg if his recovery from injury stays on track in the coming weeks. But the priority for Arteta and the Gunners’ medical staff will be on ensuring he does not sustain any aggravations having missed the past seven months.
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