Arsenal defender out of season finale as club opt for timely operation ahead of summer
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal shoots whilst under pressure from Jeremy Doku of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Jurrien Timber will miss Arsenal’s final game of the Premier League season after undergoing ankle surgery earlier this week. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the decision following Sunday’s 1-0 win over Newcastle United, a match from which the Dutch international was notably absent.
“Jurrien had surgery yesterday on his ankle, so he’ll be out for a few weeks,” Arteta said, adding that the club are hopeful the procedure will enable a full return in time for pre-season.
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Arsenal FC at Portman Road on April 20, 2025 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
As first reported by Simon Collings in The Standard, there is cautious optimism at the club that Timber could be available for the summer tour, though a precise timeline has not yet been set.
Timber had been managing a persistent problem over recent months, playing through discomfort in an effort to contribute to Arsenal’s Champions League campaign. With that run now concluded and European qualification for next season assured, the club’s medical staff agreed that surgery was the most prudent course of action.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid battles for possession with Jurrien Timber of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Emirates Stadium on April 08, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
The 23-year-old has featured 48 times across all competitions this term, an impressive tally given he missed the majority of last season recovering from a serious ACL injury. Arteta praised Timber’s impact since returning to full fitness, highlighting not only his performances but also his character.
“We didn’t just sign a player, we signed a leader, a very, very special character,” he said. “To have this season after an ACL, it’s incredible.”
With Takehiro Tomiyasu also sidelined, Ben White is expected to continue in defence for Sunday’s trip to Southampton. Arsenal, already assured of Champions League football for next season, will be hoping to end their campaign with a win despite a depleted back line to claim second with a three-point gap over City.
Related Posts