Jurriën Timber
ARS
Right Back
Possession Builder
Jun 17, 2001 (25)
Right
5'10"
174 lb
Provides attacking spark off bench
Timber had one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Timber recorded one chance created, one inaccurate cross and one interception during 24 minutes off the bench in Sunday's 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest. He replaced Ben White in the 66th minute and immediately offered greater attacking penetration from right-back, combining with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard before delivering a cutback that Declan Rice fired over from an excellent position. Timber helped Arsenal maintain pressure during the closing stages and contributed defensively as the visitors protected Noni Madueke's late winner.
Scores first goal of game
Timber scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Lille.
Analysis: Timber got the party started for Arsenal in the second half to break a deadlock, opening the floodgates in what would be a 3-0 win. The defender just got back from injury, so Arsenal might ease him in and have him among the subs for Nottingham Forest. If he does play, he's unlikely to see much work as Nottingham Forest have scored just five goals in six EPL matches.
Workload still being managed
Timber was not in training Tuesday with the Netherlands as he continues to return cautiously after an injury over the summer, according to manager Xavi, per Jeroen Kapteijns of De Telegraaf. "We have to be a bit careful with Jurrien Timber, who was injured for a long time. But he is available, that goes for everyone."
Analysis: Timber is still working on a full return to action following a groin injury this summer ahead of the World Cup, having yet to play a full 90 in his two appearances since returning. That said, his role during the international break with the Netherlands could be restricted, already having missed out on a group training due to caution. He should still see some time during the break as he ramps up his fitness, although Arsenal will be watching closely as they await the full return of their starting right-back.
Starts first game of season
Timber registered two tackles (one won) in Saturday's 3-0 defeat versus Brighton.
Analysis: Timber won one of two tackles across 60 minutes before being replaced by Eberechi Eze, contributing zero clearances in a match where Brighton repeatedly found space behind Arsenal's right-sided defensive structure through Charalampos Kostoulas's movement. His replacement alongside Bukayo Saka signaled a significant tactical shift from manager Arteta as Arsenal sought to change the dynamics of a match already lost at 3-0. Timber was a starter for the first time this season after returning from a groin injury and will look to use the international break to build his competitive fitness.
Workload management leads to absence
Timber isn't in the squad for Tuesday's EFL Cup match against Ipswich Town due to workload management, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "Everything is fine, but obviously he has played much more than what we wanted the other day. He played 53 minutes after five months and we will need to look after him."
Analysis: Timber came off the bench Saturday against Sunderland after Ben White exited with a groin injury, and the Gunners are looking to manage his workload -- he hadn't played since the UEFA Champions League final. This means Marli Salmon will get the start at right-back for Arsenal on Tuesday, whereas Timber could return to the XI against Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.
Makes season debut
Timber had one tackle (zero won) and two clearances in Saturday's 2-0 victory against Sunderland.
Analysis: Timber made his first appearance of the season after recovering from the groin injury that had kept him sidelined, replacing Ben White at halftime and completing 45 minutes without an apparent setback. He added one tackle and two clearances while helping Arsenal preserve the clean sheet during the second half. Timber's return gives manager Mikel Arteta another option at right-back, though he may continue to have his workload managed as he works back from the injury.
Available from bench Saturday
Timber (groin) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Sunderland.
Analysis: Timber missed the Champions League opener against Napoli with a groin injury despite being included in the squad, but he has trained with the team for several days and is now back in the matchday squad. His return gives him an opportunity to build match fitness through limited minutes, and with Ben White currently ahead of him, a return to the starting lineup is more likely to come after the international break.
Could return against Sunderland
Timber (groin) looks in good shape and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Sunderland, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "[With Jurrien], let's see. We have another training session. He's been doing really well, he's been training with us now for a few days, and he looks in good shape."
Analysis: Timber had missed the Champions League opener against Napoli due to a groin injury despite being included in the squad list, and this update now points toward a potential return for Saturday's match against Sunderland as he continues building back toward full fitness. Ben White is expected to hold the right-back role until Timber returns to full speed with the Gunners.
Remains unavailable
Timber (groin) is out for Wednesday's match against Napoli.
Analysis: Timber is not with his team despite the defender making the squad list, as the Dutch right-back remains out due to a groin injury. The good news is that a return still remains close, potentially saving himself for a return in league play when facing Sunderland on Saturday.
Included in squad for CL opener
Timber took part in full first-team training Tuesday and has been named in Arsenal's squad for Wednesday's Champions League opener at Napoli, according to football london.
Analysis: Timber has been named in Arsenal's travelling squad for the Champions League opener, marking his first squad involvement since the Champions League final in May after a groin problem kept him out since April. His first full group session Tuesday represents clear progress from rehabilitation, but he has yet to record a competitive minute this season and would not be expected to handle a full match in Naples. A short appearance off the bench is therefore the realistic expectation as Timber begins building back toward full match involvement, with Ben White continuing to deputize at right-back.
Remains out against Chelsea
Timber (groin) remains unavailable for Sunday's Premier League clash against Chelsea despite recently returning to team training.
Analysis: Timber has been back on the pitch for several weeks and has progressed to working with the group, but Arsenal have decided the Chelsea clash comes too soon for his return to competitive action. His continued absence leaves Ben White as the starter at right-back, a role he has maintained while Timber works his way back. Timber appears to be moving closer to a return, and his eventual availability will give manager Mikel Arteta additional flexibility across the back line.
Still doubtful against Chelsea
Timber (groin) was spotted training with the team this week, though it remains unsure whether he'll be back for the clash against Chelsea, according to coach Mikel Arteta, per Simon Collings of The Sun.
Analysis: Timber had been making steady progress in his recovery, completing three consecutive weeks of on field work with a gradually increasing workload before this update on his involvement with the team. Ben White should continue to start at right back while the club determines whether Timber is ready to be fully reintegrated in time for the Chelsea match.
Making steady progress
Timber (groin) continues to make progress in his recovery and could increase his workload further next week, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "Jurrien is progressing really well. It's the third week in a row that he's been outside and we have increased his load. So he's on the right trajectory."
Analysis: Timber remains outside team training but has now completed three consecutive weeks of on-field work while gradually increasing his workload. The defender appears to be responding well to the latest stage of his recovery, with Arsenal planning another step forward next week if his progress continues without setbacks. Ben White should continue to start at right-back while Timber works toward rejoining the group.
Not yet training with the group
Timber (groin) is not yet back in group training, with his return still a few weeks away, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "No, I said in the next few weeks. He's not training with the group yet."
Analysis: Timber's groin issue first surfaced toward the end of last season and required a minor surgical procedure, keeping him out of preseason and Sunday's Community Shield against Manchester City, and this update tempers earlier optimism that had suggested he could be close to rejoining the group. Ben White is expected to continue starting at right back in his absence as Timber works through the next phase of his recovery.
Could rejoin full training this week
Timber (groin) could return to first-team training with Arsenal this week, according to Alex Howell of the BBC.
Analysis: Timber's groin issue first surfaced towards the end of last season and proved more serious than initially anticipated, ultimately requiring a small surgical procedure and a carefully managed rehabilitation programme that kept him out of Arsenal's pre-season and forced him to withdraw from the World Cup with the Netherlands after failing to recover in time. Manager Mikel Arteta ruled him out of Sunday's Community Shield against Manchester City but struck an upbeat tone on his recovery, saying Timber "is progressing really well," is back on the pitch and that the club is "ramping up now with certain actions and especially the volume and the load," adding he is on a good trajectory even with a few weeks still to go. That timeline has since accelerated, with now it been reported that Timber could return to full first-team training as early as this week. Assuming he comes through those sessions without any reaction, the next phase would see him progressively build up his training load before being cleared for matchday contention, given his importance as one of Arteta's most trusted defenders and with Arsenal already missing William Saliba for a few months, a clean week of training would put him firmly on course to be involved in the opening weeks of the Premier League season.
No timeline yet for return
Timber has no confirmed timeline for his return and won't be an option for Sunday's Community Shield, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "Jurrien is progressing really well, he is on the pitch. We are ramping up now with certain actions and especially the volume and the load, and I think he is on a good trajectory, but there is still a few weeks to go."
Analysis: Timber's continued absence stems from the groin injury that ended his World Cup hopes with the Netherlands, and this update reflects steady progress in his rehabilitation even as a firm return date remains unclear. Ben White is expected to have a significant role to play at right back until Timber's return. Timber is expected to continue his individual program as the club monitors his progress through preseason.
Weeks away from return
Timber (ankle) is progressing well but remains weeks away from a return, according to coach Mikel Arteta, per Football London. "I cannot be very precise with that. But Jurrien is progressing really well. He's on the pitch, he's doing quite a lot right now. But he's still weeks away. I cannot tell you how much"
Analysis: Timber has been continuing his rehabilitation from the groin injury that ended his World Cup hopes with the Netherlands, and this update reflects steady progress even as a firm return date remains unclear. Being several weeks away from a return is not ideal news for Arsenal with the Premier League season fast approaching, and Ben White is expected to have a significant role to play at right back until Timber's return. Timber is expected to continue his individual program as the club monitors his progress through preseason.
Present, continuing rehab
Timber was present for the start of Arsenal's preseason as he continues his rehabilitation from the groin injury that ended his World Cup hopes, the club announced.
Analysis: Timber had been ruled out of the World Cup with the Netherlands after failing to sufficiently recover from the issue, a premature end to what had been an eagerly anticipated tournament for the defender. His presence at the start of preseason marks continued progress in his recovery, and he is said to be hoping for a return in the near term. Timber's versatility across multiple backline positions makes his eventual return a boost for Arsenal's defensive options. He is expected to continue his individual program as the club monitors his progress through preseason.
Ruled out of World Cup
Timber (groin) has been ruled out of the World Cup after failing to recover sufficiently from a groin injury to participate in a medically responsible manner, with Lutsharel Geertruida of Sunderland called up as his replacement, the federation announced.
Analysis: Timber will leave the Netherlands' pre-camp in New York following the friendly against Uzbekistan, bringing a premature end to what had been an eagerly anticipated tournament for the 24-year-old Arsenal defender. Lutsharel Geertruida's call-up brings the Dutch squad back to 26 players at their base camp in Kansas. Timber's absence is a significant blow for coach Ronald Koeman, who had been counting on the versatile defender to contribute across multiple positions in the backline throughout the tournament. The Netherlands will now need to reorganize their defensive options heading into a World Cup where expectations are high.
Option off bench Saturday
Timber (ankle) is on the bench for Saturday's UEFA Champions League final against PSG.
Analysis: Timber has been included in the squad after being deemed fit following the ankle issue, with manager Mikel Arteta opting for a cautious approach by keeping him among the substitutes for the biggest game of the season despite his near ever-present status when available, having featured in the starting XI in 34 of his 37 appearances across the Premier League and Champions League this term. His presence on the bench nonetheless offers coach Mikel Arteta a versatile and experienced option capable of operating across right-back and central defense, with his fitness ahead of the World Cup with the Netherlands in June also a significant factor in managing his involvement carefully.
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