Jurrien Timber on 'last big step' of ACL injury recovery as Mikel Arteta provides update on Arsenal's £38m summer signing

Timber sustained an ACL injury during Arsenal's clash with Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season, and has been out ever since. He also played in the Community Shield against Manchester City but those two appearances have been the only occasions in which he has worn Arsenal colours, although manager Mikel Arteta now claims his recovery is on track.

Timber came in as a hugely heralded defender, having made 121 appearances for Ajax, while he has also won 15 caps for the Netherlands. He signed a deal running until 2028 upon his arrival, and will now be targeting a big 2024/25 season to prove his worth to the Gunners faithful.

Arteta said: "It’s too soon (with Timber). He’s going to play a game with the U23s and after that we will see better. He looks really good in training, but it’s that last big step. Everyone else is all good."

Arsenal face a nervy run-in as they currently sit two points behind leaders Manchester City after losing to Aston Villa last time out. The Gunners play Wolves on Saturday before fixtures against Chelsea, Tottenham, Bournemouth, Manchester United and Everton round out the season.