Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has now opened up about one aspect of his recovery journey that he has enjoyed.
Jurrien Timber has hardly featured for Arsenal this season.
On the opening day of the current Premier League campaign, as the Gunners took on Nottingham Forest, Timber picked up a serious knee injury which has seen him sidelined ever since.
This was, of course, a disastrous blow for the 22-year-old, who had only just arrived at the Emirates Stadium following a £38 million switch from Ajax.
Were it not for his injury, the Dutchman would likely have been a key figure for Mikel Arteta this season. The versatile defender caught the eye in pre-season with his technical security and ability to push forward and look dangerous in the final third. Given his capacity to operate in any position across the back line, he would surely have enjoyed plenty of game time.
He is now nearing a long-awaited return to action. Timber impressed Arsenal fans as he got on the scoresheet during a recent outing with the under-21s.
Timber is now hoping to be named in the senior team squad which will take on Bournemouth this weekend.
Jurrien Timber reflects on Arsenal recovery journey
Of course, it is vital that he isn’t rushed back into action too quickly, but the end of his rehabilitation is now very much in sight.
Timber has now opened up about what this final phase of his recovery journey has been like. Speaking in a video released on the club’s official website, the Netherlands international said “It just takes time, this injury. You need to be patient. Even though it’s going really good, I need to do everything step by step…I feel like I’m coming closer, every day, to my goal…so it’s good. I’m enjoying it, to be honest.”
How Jurrien Timber has spent his time on the sidelines
He has also made the most of his time on the treatment table. Timber has familiarised himself with Arsenal’s tactics. He is clearly eager to do all he can to give himself the best possible chance of being able to hit the ground running once he is back in action.
Arteta has also made provisions to ensure that Timber has felt like part of the Arsenal group throughout the season. He has regularly been present in team meetings and in the dressing room on match days. The defender should now feel very much settled at the club and more than ready to finally make his mark on the pitch.
