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Jurrien Timber has provided an update on his recovery from the groin injury that has kept him sidelined for Arsenal since their 2-0 victory over Everton on March 14.
The Dutch defender sustained the groin problem during that match, also receiving a blow to his ankle that forced him off before half-time. He has not featured since, missing the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City and Holland’s recent international friendlies against Norway and Ecuador.
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Speaking to reporters after Arsenal’s 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, Timber offered a cautious assessment of his fitness prospects. “It’s recovering, we’ll see. I can’t say but I am recovering,” he said when asked about his availability for the crucial Premier League title clash at Manchester City this weekend.
Critical period for Arsenal
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The timing of Timber’s injury could hardly be worse for Arsenal, who face two season-defining fixtures in the coming week. The Gunners host Sporting CP in their Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday, holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first meeting.
They then travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Sunday in what could prove pivotal in the Premier League title race. Arsenal’s recent form has been concerning, with three defeats in their last four matches across all competitions.
Mikel Arteta’s side are also dealing with several other injury concerns. Captain Martin Odegaard, winger Bukayo Saka and left-back Riccardo Calafiori all missed the Bournemouth defeat, while Mikel Merino remains out following foot surgery.
White shouldering the burden
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In Timber’s absence, Ben White has been carrying a significantly increased workload at right-back. The England international has played through Arsenal’s recent fixtures while also featuring in both of the Three Lions’ friendlies against Uruguay and Japan during the international break.
While centre-back Cristhian Mosquera can deputise at right-back if needed, [according to Football London](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/arsenal-injury-news-jurrien-timber-33760656), Arsenal have sorely missed Timber’s energy and robustness on the right flank since his setback.
Arteta has been coy when providing updates on the 24-year-old’s progress, declining to offer a clear timeline for his return despite several opportunities to do so in recent press conferences.
The Gunners will hope Timber can return soon as they look to maintain their Champions League progress and keep pace in the Premier League title race. His presence could prove crucial in the demanding fixtures ahead.