It's been a frustrating few months for Jurrien Timber after the Arsenal defender suffered a recurrence of the groin injury which curtailed his 2025/26 season.
The full-back missed the run-in as Arsenal clinched their first Premier League title success in 22 years, and although he featured in the second half of the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain at the end of May, his hopes of representing the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup were dashed when he was ruled out of the tournament a week before it was due to commence.
Timber sustained a groin injury in Arsenal's home league win against Everton in March and after initially hoping rest and management rehabilitation would rectify the issue, the 25-year-old had to undergo surgery in early June.
Fortunately Arsenal are well-stocked in the defensive department and the pending arrival of Ezri Konsa means there is no pressure for Mikel Arteta to rush any of his returning defenders with William Saliba also sidelined.
We've assessed the earliest possible date Timber could be at Arteta's disposal.
When is Jurrien Timber expected to return from injury?
Timber recently commenced light training, but is still several weeks away from making a return to first-team action.
In his most recent update on Timber's progress, Arteta said: "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 much."
As he continues his rehabilitation, the Gunners are optimistic that Timber could be available for selection in late September. However, due to the prolonged three-week international window, it's more likely that the Dutchman will return to the Arsenal fold in early October.
The reigning Premier League champions are in action against Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday 10th October, with two more Premier League fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Everton pencilled in for that month.
