Latest on Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber in his injury recovery

There have been some pretty outlandish claims about Jurrien Timber’s recovery in recent weeks, with one tweet gaining some traction after it claimed the right-back’s planned return was against Crystal Palace on January 20th.

Another more reasonable claim was that Timber was targeting Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 tie against FC Porto in February, but even that seems optimistic.

After all, Timber only suffered his ACL tear in August, so a February comeback would mean a total absence of just six months. Not impossible, but really the bare minimum you’d expect for such an injury.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

The Athletic report that Timber’s recovery is progressing well, but he’s not expected to be back for “some time yet”. There are now less than two months until the first leg against Porto.

At the very least, it’s clear that Timber isn’t expected back imminently. Those claims of a January comeback on the pitch was always outlandish, but they’re now seemingly being ruled out.

It’s obviously a shame to have lost such a significant signing so early on in his Arsenal career. But these things happen, and there’s no point getting excited about a comeback too early. Timber will need time, and he should get it.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber of Arsenal pose for a photo with the FA Community Shield following The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber of Arsenal pose for a photo with the FA Community Shield following The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

To have the defender back in any serious capacity at all this season would be a blessing for the squad, and with any luck we may well see that play out. Let’s just keep our expectations in check.