Arsenal defender, Jurrien Timber, has briefly returned to London from the club’s pre-season training base in Spain as he continues his rehabilitation from a groin injury.
The Netherlands international travelled back to England to complete a scheduled phase of his recovery programme, with Arsenal maintaining that the trip is routine and not linked to any fresh injury concern.
According to BBC Sport on Wednesday, Timber is expected to head back to Spain once the planned rehabilitation work is completed and rejoin Mikel Arteta’s squad.
The 24-year-old has been recovering from a groin problem that sidelined him after he had overcome the ankle injury he suffered during the closing stages of last season.
Although he returned in time to feature in Arsenal’s Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain, the recurring groin issue later prevented him from representing the Netherlands on international duty.
Timber enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season, making 30 Premier League appearances as Arsenal lifted the league title and cementing his place as the club’s preferred right-back.
The Dutch defender has already battled back from a serious injury since arriving from Ajax in July 2023 in a deal worth an initial £34 million, having missed the majority of his debut season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.
Arsenal remain optimistic that Timber will regain full fitness before the new season.
The Gunners are scheduled to face Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 16 before beginning the defence of their Premier League crown against newly promoted Coventry City on August 21.
