Mikel Arteta finally announced Jurrien Timber’s return date, Gunners coach admits Zinchenko and Kiwior experiment almost cost Arsenal the premier league title

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber cannot wait to be part of the title race following his return to the U21 team.

The £38.5million player was absent after suffering a serious knee injury on the opening weekend of the season, but played 45 minutes against Blackburn at Ewood Park.

Timber scored a superb goal after eight minutes when he broke in from the left and shot into the top corner and his return to form could be a major boost for Arsenal.

He can play anywhere in the back four and Mikel Arteta believes his attacking qualities from defence can add another dimension to his team.

After Tuesday’s game against Chelsea, Arsenal have four games left to play and Timber hopes to be involved in some way.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “The lads have already texted me, so it will be fun.

“I think we’re doing really well. The last couple of weeks have been tough, obviously we’ve been knocked out of the Champions League, but we’re still in the game [the title race], we’re still there.

“I’m happy to be part of it and we’ll see what the last few weeks bring. Hopefully something good.”

Timber impressed during his 45 minutes and his substitution at half-time was planned in advance.

He played at left-back but moved into the centre of the pitch, just as Oleksandr Zinchenko does.

“It was also a strange feeling,” Timber said when asked about his goal.

“I didn’t realise I had scored because I don’t score many goals, but maybe that changed after my rehabilitation – we’ll see!

“But it was a great feeling, it felt like everything we’ve worked for in the eight months we’ve been away.”