According to Sam Dean of the Telegraph, Jurrien Timber requires an operation to resolve an ongoing ankle issue.
The Netherlands international has made 48 appearances for the Gunners this season but has been managing the problem over the past month, starting just one of Arsenal’s last seven Premier League games in order to save himself for the Champions League ties against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
The specifics of the injury remain unclear, as does the timeline for his return. Given Timber missed almost the entirety of last season with an ACL injury, Mikel Arteta will no doubt be hoping the 23-year-old is back in time for the start of pre-season in July.
Ben White, who spent several months out following knee surgery of his own, is expected to retain his place at right-back for the final game of the campaign against Southampton.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, the club’s other recognised right-back, has featured for just 15 minutes all season, while Thomas Partey has occasionally filled in out of position when required.
By our count, Timber is the ninth first-team player to require some form of medical procedure this season.
Here’s hoping he makes a swift and straightforward recovery.