Jurrien Timber has not featured for Arsenal since March 14 when he sustained a groin injury in the 2-0 Premier League win over Everton
There’s an element of lingering mystery surrounding Jurrien Timber’s Arsenal absence. By the time Sunday’s Premier League trip to West Ham comes around, it will have been eight weeks since he last featured for the Gunners.
The right-back was forced off in the 2-0 triumph over Everton at the Emirates Stadium on March 14 after initially taking a hefty blow to his ankle.
He was also spotted holding his groin as he trudged off the field and after missing the 2-0 Champions League knockout victory over Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal were left sweating on his fitness for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.
Timber was included in Ronald Koeman’s Holland squad for the upcoming international break, indicating there was a chance he might recover in time to feature for his country but he swiftly withdrew following the 2-0 defeat to City at Wembley.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Beyond that, there were rumblings that he was pushing to return against Southampton in the FA Cup but since then, it’s become clear the injury issue was more serious.
Whenever Mikel Arteta has been quizzed on the full-back’s recovery, he’s reflected that Timber still has some hoops to jump through before he’s back available for selection.
Historically, Arteta has always been coy over team news, as he wants to minimise the number of clues the opposition receive before facing Arsenal.
Timber has attended numerous home matches during his lay-off and is usually stood pitch-side as his team-mates make their way off the field.
He was involved in Tuesday night’s carnival-like celebrations as Arsenal reached their first Champions League final since 2006 after battling past Atletico Madrid.
Footage posted by James Benge of CBS Sports appeared to show that Timber did not feel comfortable enough to run and jump with the rest of his colleagues as they punched the air with joy while lauding the Emirates faithful.
Of course, it would be strange for an injured player to risk any kind of movement that could prohibit their recovery or cause unnecessary damage but naturally, supporters online raised concerns about the severity of Timber’s injury.
Make no mistake, despite Ben White’s impressive contributions in recent weeks, Arsenal need Timber back for the run-in – not least against Paris Saint-Germain.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is arguably the best player in all of world football right now and he’ll be relishing the chance to cause White serious problems.
Cristhian Mosquera can also play as a makeshift right-back but if Timber was available, Arteta could plan accordingly and not only that, PSG would be left guessing as to who would receive the nod.
White has undeniable chemistry with Bukayo Saka up the Arsenal right but Timber is one of the best 1v1 defensive full-backs in Europe and he relishes the chance to lock down wingers.
While he was much-improved in the second leg, White also struggled up against Ademola Lookman, another tricky dribbler, in Madrid.
Given we are in the dark, we can’t say with any degree of certainty that Timber definitely won’t be available this weekend against West Ham – he might be closer to returning than Arteta has let on – but you can’t help but feel that Arsenal need the Dutchman back to maximise their chances of completing a memorable Double.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
