Arsenal full-back Jurrien Timber is reportedly set to undergo surgery on an ankle injury.
The 23-year-old has been struggling with an injury issue in recent weeks despite being able to play in both legs of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Timber was absent for the loss to Bournemouth in between the two legs, before he was left on the bench for the duration of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool earlier this month.
The Netherlands international was missing entirely from the matchday squad for Sunday’s 1-0 home win against Newcastle United.
As a result, Timber has not featured in a Premier League match since he provided an assist in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on November 23.
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Timber set to undergo surgery
Timber now looks set to miss the final game of the season against Southampton, with The Telegraph reporting that the defender will need to undergo an ankle procedure.
The Dutchman has tried to manage the issue in recent weeks, but the club’s medical staff now believe that surgery is the best course of action.
It is unclear when Timber will return to action and if it will have an impact on his preparations for the 2025-26 season.
As it stands, Arsenal are due to begin their pre-season schedule with a friendly against Italian side AC Milan in Singapore on July 23.
Meanwhile, the 2025-26 Premier League campaign is set to get underway on the weekend of August 16.
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Timber’s importance to Arsenal
Arsenal will hope Timber can make a swift recovery, having seen him establish himself as a key part of Mikel Arteta‘s side this season.
After missing most of his first season through injury, Timber has gone on to make 48 competitive appearances in the 2024-25 campaign, chipping in with two goals and four assists.
The defender has tended to play on the right side of the backline, although his versatility has also enabled him to fill in at left-back and in central defence.
While Arsenal will hope Timber can return in time for pre-season, his injury is likely to keep him out of the Netherlands’ upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Ronald Koeman‘s side are set to head on their travels for a game against Finland on June 7, before they return home for a meeting with Malta three days later.
