Arsenal are understandably taking a cautious approach with one of their most important defenders.
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has temporarily left the club’s pre-season training camp in Spain to return to London for a scheduled assessment of the groin injury that ruled him out of the latter stages of the summer.
According to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, the Netherlands international travelled back to the club’s training base as part of his rehabilitation programme, with sources insisting the visit is not related to any setback in his recovery.
Instead, the assessment had already formed part of the recovery plan designed by Arsenal’s medical staff.
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Timber is expected to return to Spain once the checks have been completed and continue preparing with Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of the new campaign.
The 25-year-old endured a frustrating end to last season. After missing two months with an ankle injury, Timber recovered in time to feature in Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
However, he was then sidelined by a groin problem that ultimately ruled him out of the Netherlands’ FIFA World Cup campaign, where Ronald Koeman’s side exited in the Round of 32 following a penalty shootout defeat to Morocco.
Arsenal are understandably taking a cautious approach with one of their most important defenders.
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Following the serious anterior cruciate ligament injury that disrupted almost all of Timber’s debut season after his move from Ajax in 2023, the club are determined not to rush his recovery from any further fitness issues.
Last season, Timber established himself as Arsenal’s first-choice right-back, making 30 Premier League appearances as the Gunners lifted the league title.
His versatility, technical quality and defensive reliability have made him one of Mikel Arteta’s most trusted players, meaning Arsenal will want him fully fit before competitive football resumes.
The latest update should therefore be viewed as a precaution rather than a cause for concern.
With sources stressing there has been no setback and Timber expected to rejoin the squad shortly, Arsenal remain optimistic that the Dutch international will be available for the start of the new season, beginning with the Community Shield against Manchester City before the Premier League opener against Coventry City.
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Jurrien Timber