Jurrien Timber has reportedly been named in Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League squad for knockout stages which is a boost for Mikel Arteta side ahead of the season run-in.
The 22-year-old Netherlands international sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to his right knee necessitating surgery during Arsenal’s opening Premier League match of the season on August 12 against Nottingham Forest.
Following his summer transfer from Ajax, Timber was making just his second appearance for the Gunners.
According to Daily Mail, during Arsenal’s mid-season training camp in Dubai last month, the center-back intensified his rehabilitation on grass and in the gym.
His selection for the Champions League knockout stages with Arsenal gives the fans even more hope that Timber will soon be back in Arteta’s plans.
In the round of 16 Arsenal will play Porto. The first leg will take place in Portugal on February 21 and the second leg will be played at Emirates Stadium on March 12.
A major boost will also come from Timber’s return to fitness as Arsenal pursues the Premier League title.
After their 3-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday, they are now only two points behind the leaders. With Manchester City positioned in between them. The following game for Arsenal is on Sunday away to West Ham.
The Champions League list also includes injured players Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus, and Fabio Vieira.
Arteta called Timber’s injury sustained during his Premier League debut in August a major setback.
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“It was a huge blow. Everyone could see from day one what he was going to bring to the team,” he said.
“The versatility, the quality, the leadership. And an ability we did not have in the back line.”
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