Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has now provided an extensive update on Jurrien Timber.
Arsenal ace Jurrien Timber is currently working his way back to full fitness after sustaining a serious injury early on this season.
The Gunners paid £38 million to prise the defender away from Ajax in the recent summer transfer window. The 22-year-old swiftly made a positive impression as he was one of the north London club’s standout performers in pre-season.
His versatility, allowing him to slot in comfortably in any position across the back line, made him a particularly useful addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad. His pace, physicality, positional sense, and excellence on the ball allowed him to quickly acclimatise to the Spanish coach’s tactical demands.
However, on the opening day of the Premier League campaign, Timber went down hurt against Nottingham Forest. It was later confirmed that he had sustained a serious knee injury, and he would later go on to have surgery.
This was obviously a serious blow to Arsenal, as Timber may well not play for the club again this season. As such, following a subsequent injury to Takehiro Tomiyasu, Arteta now finds his defensive options significantly depleted. Heading into the upcoming January transfer window, bringing in reinforcements at the back needs to be a priority for the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta impressed by Jurrien Timber progress
Meanwhile, Timber will be focused on his rehabilitation. Arteta has now provided an update on the Dutchman’s recovery. As quoted by the club’s official website, he said, “he is doing very well. Obviously he’s going through a really significant injury but he’s flying to be fair, the stage he is right now. The way he works every single day is incredibly satisfying to watch but unfortunately we’re going to miss him still for a long time.”
“The first few steps are crucial for that injury, for the amount of work they have to do for the knee to be resolved and get some activity and mobility back and start to build the strength. Especially how the head is throughout that period, I think he’s in a really good place.”
To use an old cliche, Timber will very much be like a new signing for Arsenal next season. Of course, he will also be desperate to make up for lost time. Arsenal fans will also be heartened to hear that Timber is coping will with what is certainly a taxing recovery period. Just as they will have been boosted by images of the player back on his feet without the aid of crutches.
It is fascinating to consider what impact Timber might have had for the club so far this season had he avoided injury. He would certainly have gotten plenty of game time. Given Oleksandr Zinchenko’s defensive flaws, Timber may well have been able to make the starting left-back role his own.
Hopefully, Timber will be able to hit the ground running when he is cleared to return to action.
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