Jurriën Timber
ARS
RB (CB)
Balanced Full Back
Jun 17, 2001 (25)
Right
5'10"
174 lb
ArsenalCould 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.
Fit to start UCL final
Timber (ankle) has been deemed fit to start Saturday's UEFA Champions League final against PSG, James Olley of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Timber has been a regular starter when available for the Gunners this season, as he's featured in the XI in 34 of his 37 appearances between the Premier League and the Champions League. It wouldn't be surprising if Timber gets the nod at right-back Saturday, as the other natural option, Ben White, is out due to a knee injury. Timber has one goal, one assist, seven chances created, six crosses, 13 tackles and seven clearances in his seven UCL appearances this term.
Return timeline still unclear
Timber (ankle) is unlikely to be available for Sunday's final Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "Jurrien, let's hope he can do the same in the next few days, but he's still a little bit further behind than Mikel at the moment."
Analysis: Timber has been sidelined for around two months with the ankle issue, and manager Mikel Arteta's comments suggest the Dutch defender is not yet at the stage required to be considered for Sunday's fixture. His recovery is still progressing, but the priority for Arsenal remains having him available for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30, making any unnecessary risk in the league finale unlikely. No return timeline has been confirmed beyond the immediate window, leaving his availability for the European showpiece the key focus for the club's medical staff.
Progressing well, not yet ready
Timber (ankle) is stepping up his work and the club is attempting to have him fit as quickly as possible, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "He wanted to be very close to the team. He's progressed a little bit in the last few days. We're going to try to get him fit and available as quickly as possible, but let's see. He's been out for a while, unfortunately. He's such an important player for us. We all know that and he's doing everything he can to help the team in any capacity. We know his leadership, his quality and how much the team needs him."
Analysis: Timber has been sidelined for around two months and coach Arteta acknowledged the recovery has taken longer than expected, but the positive update on his stepped-up workload is the clearest sign yet that the club believes a return before the season ends is possible. The club will continue to manage Timber's return carefully as they target having him available as quickly as possible, with the biggest fixture of their season on May 30 against Paris Saint-Germain remaining the priority.
Return taking longer than expected
Timber (ankle) is out for Sunday's match against West Ham, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "No chance for the weekend, there's still a fair bit to do [in the recovery]. That's probably been the most difficult thing to manage with the player, with myself as well. Everything has to be so smooth and quick if they want to have a chance to play any minutes [this season]. We didn't expect it to take so long, and at the moment, he's not fit to play."
Analysis: Timber is going to miss another match as he still works on a recovery effort, as the defender has been out longer than most expected. He has now missed around two months of action, a tough spell with a run-in to a potential two trophies to end the season. The hope will be that he can return to training next week and return for the final few weeks of action, at least giving them another full-back option and potentially reclaiming his starting role if fit enough.
Unavailable for Atletico clash
Timber (undisclosed) will be sidelined Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League matchup versus Atletico Madrid, and coach Mikel Arteta commented about his return "We don't know yet. He's doing some stuff on the pitch at the moment, but we need to get the gears up and be able to do more things before he can compete with us".
Analysis: Timber doesn't have a clear timeline for his recovery, having already missed seven games due to the issue. The defender, who was in good form with one goal and two assists over seven straight appearances before getting hurt, will remain in doubt for the final weeks of the campaign. Meanwhile, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera may continue to rotate at right-back.
Won't play Saturday
Timber (undisclosed) won't be an option for Saturday's game against Newcastle United, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "Jurrien not in the squad."
Analysis: Timber will miss a seventh straight match across all competitions due to an undisclosed injury, and he hasn't played since logging 38 minutes in the 2-0 win over Everton on March 14. The absence of Timber means Cristhian Mosquera is likely to remain as the starter at right-back, though that's a massive downgrade for the Gunners from a tactical perspective. Timber's next chance to play will come against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League semifinals.
Left out
Timber (undisclosed) is out for Sunday's match against Manchester City.
Analysis: Timber was uncertain for Sunday and is not with his team, instead remaining out with his undisclosed injury. Unfortunately for the club, this is a major loss on the flank, as they are also without their starting left-back, Riccardo Calafiori. Instead, Cristhian Mosquera earns the start at right-back, needing a big match against City and Jeremy Doku.
Uncertain for Sunday
Timber (undisclosed) is questionable for Sunday's match against Manchester City, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "We will try again. Some players are quite close, but the turnaround is short, so we will try tomorrow to push everybody, and if they are in good condition, they will be part of us, and if not, they won't. They haven't been in the last few weeks, unfortunately."
Analysis: Timber is still looking for a return, and that could come Sunday, although it appears to be up to a late fitness test, as he is a late call. After a month out, the club will be waiting for him to be fit, as he is their starting right-back. If fit, he could see the start instantly, although Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White are replacements if he is left on the side instead.
Not an option
Timber (undisclosed) is out for Wednesday's match against Sporting.
Analysis: Timber is not an option Wednesday, despite a slight chance to return, with the defender out for the second leg. This is likely to preserve him for Sunday, facing Manchester City in a massive match for title implications. With Cristhian Mosquera starting in his spot against Sporting, they will hope it is enough to get through to the semifinals.
Not training Tuesday
Timber (undisclosed) was still not spotted at Arsenal's open training session Tuesday, leaving his availability for Wednesday's Champions League second leg against Sporting CP in doubt, according to James Benge of CBS Sports Football.
Analysis: Timber has now missed four consecutive matches across all competitions with an undisclosed issue, and his continued absence from team training is a concern for Arsenal heading into the second leg. Ben White has been covering at right-back in his absence and is expected to continue in that role if Timber cannot be cleared in time for Wednesday. Arsenal will be hoping for a positive update on his status before the Sporting CP fixture, but the sight of four key players all absent from the open session is far from ideal preparation for such a crucial night.
Not available Saturday
Timber (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth.
Analysis: Timber has been unable to recover from the undisclosed issue that has already kept him out of the last three matches, with manager Mikel Arteta's comments earlier in the week suggesting the situation remained fluid. Ben White is expected to continue covering at right-back as Arsenal look to cope without their first-choice option in that role. His availability for the coming fixtures will be closely monitored, with the club unwilling to risk further setbacks at such a critical stage of their title push.
Status uncertain
Timber (undisclosed) is uncertain for Saturday's match against Bournemouth, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "There have been changes since yesterday, yes."
Analysis: Timber has been out the past three games and could be heading towards a similar result Saturday, with the defender's status for the contest up in the air. This is something to monitor, as he is their starting right-back, with Ben White as a possible replacement. If he is fit, the club will hope it is enough to start, although they are unlikely to risk him if it is too close to call.
Won't play Tuesday
Timber (undisclosed) is out for Tuesday's match against Sporting, as manager Mikel Arteta commented "No, they're having trouble, they're not ready yet. Let's see, hopefully they're going to be ready for the weekend, if everything goes well", according to the club.
Analysis: Timber is not going to be an option Tuesday as Arsenal hope not to spoil another trophy chance, as the defender didn't even travel to Lisbon. This is a concern for the club as they not only try to compete in UCL play, but also maintain a lead in the Premier League. Ben White is likely to start at right-back with Timber out for the time being.
Out Saturday
Timber (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Southampton.
Analysis: Timber is unavailable for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Southampton after failing to prove his fitness in time. The right-back is an undisputed starter when fit, but the staff appears to be preserving him for upcoming European fixtures, with Ben White continuing to start at right-back in his absence.
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