Arsenal have struggled this season with injuries that have kept key players out of action for long periods. One such player who is recovering is Jurrien Timber, whose expected return date is now clearer.
The Dutch talent made an impressive start to his time at Arsenal, showing his abilities at left-back in pre-season and particularly excelling in the FA Community Shield match against Manchester City.
However, his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest in August was interrupted by an unfortunate injury, later confirmed by the club as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which threatened to keep him on the sidelines for the entire season.
Encouraging news has emerged about his recovery, suggesting that Timber will return in March.
Sami Mokbel, football writer for the Daily Mail, reported: “Jurrien Timber is recovering well from an ACL injury and is expected to be back in March.”
It is possible that the defender could return to play as early as the end of February, but March is the latest date that Jurrien Timber is expected to return to the pitch.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has previously praised Timber’s commitment during his rehabilitation, saying: “He is making great progress. Despite the serious injury, his progress at this stage is commendable. His work ethic is a real pleasure every day. But his absence will still be felt for an extended period.”
Arteta added about Timber’s pace of recovery: “The first stages of recovery are crucial as they involve extensive work on the knee to regain mobility and strength.”
While Timber’s progress in his return provides optimism, Arsenal face new injury concerns as Oleksandr Zinchenko has suffered a calf injury that could keep the defender out for several weeks.
More positively for Arsenal, Thomas Partey is on the verge of a comeback. After being left out of Ghana’s final squad for the African Championships, he wants to be back by the end of January, which will be a big boost for Mikel Arteta.
Partey, who has been out since October with a thigh injury, has recently started training in goal as he moves closer to a return.
