Mikel Arteta shares encouraging news on Jurrien Timber’s recovery just few hours before Arsenal’s huge Premier League clash with Chelsea at the Emirates.
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Full name: Arsenal Football Club Nickname: The Gunners Founded: October 1886 Stadium: Emirates Stadium Owner: Kroenke Sports and Entertainment Co-chairmen: Stan Kroenke, Josh Kroenke Manager: Mikel Arteta League: Premier League Season 2025/26: Champions Website: arsenal.com Arsenal football club is one… Read More about ARSENAL
Ahead of Sunday’s big London derby against Chelsea, Mikel Arteta shared new details about the return of Jurrien Timber following his injury, as per latest news. As a result, the mood inside the Emirates camp sounds genuinely positive for a change. Now, Arsenal fans have every reason to feel hopeful this week.
Mikel Arteta opens up on Jurrien Timber return
Speaking during Friday’s press conference, Mikel Arteta gave fans a clear picture of where Jurrien Timber currently stands. The head coach explained that the Dutch defender has now spent several weeks training fully with the squad and looks sharp on the training pitch. He added that the player has trained alongside his teammates without any setbacks.
The manager said: “Jurrien is in really good condition at the moment, he’s been a few weeks on the pitch and has been training with us, so he’s in a really good place. We will decide (on his involvement on Sunday) after training (on Saturday).”
This update is a huge relief for Arsenal, since Timber has not featured competitively since a brief appearance off the bench in the Champions League final back in May. Later, a groin issue eventually forced him into surgery. That injury also cost him a place in the Netherlands World Cup squad. That was a huge blow for a player many rate among the best young full-backs in world football right now.
Timber’s 2025/26 numbers at Arsenal, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Goals Assists Duels Won(per 90mins) Dribbled Past (per 90mins)
Premier League 30 3 5 57% 0
FA Cup 2 0 0 70% 0
EFL Cup 4 0 0 52% 1
Champions League 8 1 1 52% 0
More good news from the medical room for the Gunners
Timber was not the only player talked about during the presser. Bruno Guimaraes, who joined from Newcastle this summer, picked up a knock during the 1-0 over Aston Villa but is likely to train again soon. Cristhian Mosquera also limped off in that same match, though Arteta described it as more of a precaution than a genuine injury concern.
Meanwhile, William Saliba remains sidelined and is not expected back for a while, which means Ezri Konsa could be handed a first competitive start alongside Gabriel at the back. With so many defensive pieces still being assessed, Timber’s potential return is a great sign for Arteta. In addition, it is a much needed option across the back line.
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Chelsea test on Sunday awaits
The north London side head into this fixture full of confidence. They have won their two previous league matches against Coventry City and Aston Villa. As defending Premier League champions after finishing last season on 85 points, the Gunners will want to make a statement against Xabi Alonso’s improving Chelsea side at home.
The Blues themselves finished 10th last term with 52 points from thirty one matches. So, this all London clash carries real weight for both sides early in the campaign. A fit again Timber would add pace, composure and defensive solidity. This is exactly what Arsenal need most at the moment. His return could not be timed better given the current injury concerns elsewhere in the squad.
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