Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber faces a new injury setback before their upcoming pre-season match against Bayer Leverkusen, as reported by The Times.
Timber, who had only recently returned to action following a severe knee injury suffered in Arsenal’s opening match of the 2023/24 season, now deals with another injury. Although he managed to play for Arsenal’s U21s in April and May, this latest issue has raised concerns.
The Dutch defender participated in two of Arsenal’s first three pre-season games but was absent in their recent match against Liverpool. According to journalist Gary Jacob, Timber’s current injury is ‘load-bearing’ but is reportedly unrelated to his previous knee problem.
As a result, Timber is doubtful for Arsenal’s friendly against Lyon this weekend, with the team’s first Premier League match against Wolves just around the corner.
In a February interview with Arsenal’s official site, Timber reflected on how his recovery process from the knee injury had made him stronger as he prepared for the new season.
“Of course, at some points it’s been difficult,” he said. “Because you’re not playing, and that’s the thing you love to do.
“I use that as motivation during my recovery. I see the boys a lot, at the training ground but also at the games, and that’s been good for me too.
“Even though I’m not playing, I can take this moment to become stronger mentally, physically and also to feel at home with this group of boys. It’s an opportunity I’ve taken with both hands.
“I’ve had some more time to watch the team, see how we play, see how I can fit in when I get on the pitch. So looking at the positives, I think there have been many.”
