Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is set to undergo an operation due to an ankle injury, according to The Telegraph journalist Sam Dean.
The Dutchman has been managing fitness issues in recent weeks, and the Gunners medical team has decided it is best he does surgery.
Arsenal waited until the end of the season to make the decision but it remains to be seen when Timber will return to full fitness.
Exclusive: Jurrien Timber is set to undergo an ankle procedure. The #AFC full-back has been managing fitness issues in recent weeks and the club's medical staff have decided he needs a procedure to address the problem. It remains unclear how long he will be ruled out.
— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) May 19, 2025
The versatile defender missed almost the whole of 2023-24 after suffering an ACL injury on his right knee in August 2023 and only returning to first-team action in May 2024 having required surgery.
The 2025-26 campaign starts on August 16 and Arsenal will hope to have Timber back before then.
The 23-year-old has featured in 48 games across all competitions for the North London club this season, weighing in with two goals and four assists after making just three appearances in his debut campaign.
Timber has played at right-back, left-back and centre-back for Arsenal this term, and they need him available as soon as possible as they look to hit the ground running when next season kicks off.
Injuries derailed the campaign, consequently contributing to their elimination from the Champions League in the semi-finals and another second-place finish in the Premier League for the third season running.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta would have fancied their chances of winning both competitions had his top players not suffered knocks at various times of the season, and the last thing he wants is starting a new season with one of his key defenders unavailable due to injury.