This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Jurrien Timber is taking longer to recover from a groin injury than anticipated.
Most Read on Gooner News
The Dutchman has not played since being taken off before halftime during the 2-0 win over Everton in mid-March.
Asked for an update on Timber’s fitness in his pre-match press conference ahead of the West Ham game this weekend, Arteta said:
“That’s been probably the most difficult thing to manage with the player, with myself as well. We didn’t expect it to take so long, and at the moment, he’s not fit to play.”
Other Arsenal injury news
There are currently just two members of the first-team squad on the treatment table. Other than Timber, Mikel Merino is the only one unavailable for selection. Asked whether the pair could play again this campaign, Arteta replied:
“Everything has to be so smooth and quick if they want to have a chance to play any minutes [this season].”
Merino has been out since January after undergoing surgery on a fractured foot. He has been seen without his protective boot, but it is clear that the Spanish international is not close to making his comeback.
Buy a Champions League final scarf from Fanatics here
West Ham injury news
Hammers head coach Nuno Espirito Santo pretty much has a fully fit squad to choose from heading into Sunday’s clash at the London Stadium.
The only absentee is a former Gunner, Lukasz Fabianski. The Pole rejoined West Ham in September, but he has only made the matchday squad for one first-team game – the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham- when he was an unused substitute.
It is believed that the 41-year-old has been carrying a back injury, which has kept him out of action for the best part of eight months.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here