Mikel Arteta has revealed that Jurrien Timber is continuing to work back from his serious knee injury. However, the Spaniard’s suggestion could mean that the Dutchman misses Arsenal’s next four games at least.
Speaking ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Luton Town on Wednesday, Arteta faced the media and provided positive updates on both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The pair appear to be fine going into the midweek clash.
However, we await news of Timber’s long-awaited return to action but the Arsenal manager has revealed that we could be waiting some time longer. When asked about Timber’s recovery and potential return he said: “He’s doing very well.
“He’s back training, he’s not far off, the thing is that last step, he hasn’t played any minutes.
“Does he need a game with the Under-21s? Does he need two games?
“He’s constantly training with us to see how long that’s going to take him in that last part which is tricky and sometimes takes a while. Hopefully [he’s back] as quick as possible.”
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Adding when asked about playing before the end of the season: “I think he’s got a good chance. I don’t know a percentage but he’s got a good chance and he’s going to push it as far as he can.”
What was interesting about Arteta’s answer was the reference to the under-21 games. These are referred in recovery as ‘bounce games’, fixtures in which players get back on the field in a less competitive environment to test their readiness and get some valuable time on the field.
Timber was not given the chance during the international break to play in the behind-closed-doors friendly against QPR with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey. His recovery clearly signalled that the game came too soon but that some youth games instead, as Arteta says, might be better.
Arsenal under-21s next game is on Monday, April 8 against Stoke City U21s. However, Arteta mentioned that it could take two youth games for him to be assured Timber is ready for senior action in which case the second fixture is on Monday, April 15 against Aston Villa U21s.
If indeed it does take two youth games this would rule Timber out of Arsenal’s senior matches against Luton, Brighton, Bayern Munich (home leg) and Aston Villa. With the second youth game on the Monday night, it could also endanger the second leg against Thomas Tuchel’s side in the Champions League on Wednesday, April 17.
If this is the case, following these two games, Timber could make his return against Wolves at Molineux on Saturday, April 20. Despite the delay, Arsenal need to make sure they do not rush the 22-year-old to minimise the threat of a setback.
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