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 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 commenced light training in the middle of August and has recently returned to full first-team training.
In his most recent update on Timber's progress, Arteta said: "‘He’s in really good condition at the moment. He’s been training with us now, he’s in a good place."
The Gunners boss has teased the possibility of Timber featuring in the Premier League fixture against Sunderland on Saturday 12th September, which is several weeks earlier than medical staff initially anticipated.
Arsenal then have two more fixtures -- against Ipswich Town in the EFL Cup and Brighton in the Premier League -- before the international break.
