Arsenal’s defender Jurrien Timber is facing an extended period on the sidelines, with the possibility of missing action until the early stages of pre-season. The setback is a result of a knee injury sustained during a match against Nottingham Forest in the summer, prompting surgery on his ACL.
The injury not only disrupted Timber’s promising start at Arsenal but also potentially rules him out of contention for The Netherlands’ Euros squad, according to updates from Dutch outlet AD.
Initially considered a potential asset for the Euros if fit, Timber’s absence from the tournament is now seen as a likely scenario. Despite earlier speculation in English media suggesting a possible return for the last ten games of the season, the latest reports indicate a more cautious timeline, extending his recovery into the early stages of pre-season.
Timber’s impact on Arsenal was significant, evident from his brief 50 minutes of competitive play.
Mikel Arteta saw him as a transformative signing, combining physical attributes akin to Takehiro Tomiyasu with Oleksandr Zinchenko’s playmaking skills. Unfortunately, an innocuous injury in the opening game against Nottingham Forest forced Timber to undergo ACL surgery, leaving a void in Arsenal’s defensive lineup.
While players like Tomiyasu and Zinchenko have stepped up admirably, Timber’s potential return late in the season could provide a substantial boost.
Valued at £38 million, Timber was envisioned as a standout signing, and his absence has left a notable void in Arteta’s defensive plans. The Dutch international’s recovery timeline now poses a significant challenge for Arsenal, potentially sidelining him for the entire season.
Arsenal, faced with this setback, could consider addressing the defensive issue during the January transfer window. However, any potential moves may hinge on the departure of Cedric Soares, a defender who has somewhat faded from the limelight.
While Timber’s recovery remains uncertain at this stage, the prospect of missing a player of his caliber for an extended period is undoubtedly a blow for Arsenal.
The club may need to assess their defensive options and potentially explore solutions in the upcoming transfer window to mitigate the impact of Timber’s prolonged absence and bolster their defensive capabilities.
