Mikel Arteta has hinted that Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber could be a secret weapon for the Gunners in the final weeks of the season.
The 22-year-old Dutch international has not featured for the north London side since the start of the season, with Timber suffering an ACL injury that has kept the defender out since August.
With the former Ajax star now back in full training, there’s a chance that Timber could play for Arsenal once more this season, with the Gunners looking to win the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Mikel Arteta lauds ‘quality’ Jurrien Timber ahead of Arsenal return
And speaking to the Evening Standard, Arteta has hinted that Timber can offer something no Arsenal defender currently has ahead of the youngster’s return.
Indeed, the north London squad has never looked healthier heading into the final weeks of the season, and Timber’s return will add an extra dimension to Arsenal’s backline.
Arteta said about Timber ahead of the defender’s return: “We were really short at the start of the season, then we had some issues, and now we are recovering players.
“Jurrien is a main one because he has a quality that nobody else has in the backline to actually effect, especially in the attacking phases, things that we do, in both positions or three positions. We have more flexibility now.”
Jurrien Timber can be a real secret weapon this season
Whilst Arsenal have coped fine without Timber this season, there’s no denying that Arteta and most of the fans are keen to see the defender return to the matchday squad.
Aside from Declan Rice, Timber’s arrival last summer was the most exciting for the Gunners, and the defender picking up a major injury so early in the season was a cruel blow.
Yet with Timber back in full training, the defender could be a real secret weapon for Arsenal in the final matches of the season, with so much to play for for the Gunners.