The Arsenal centre-back has been out for nearly a month with a muscular problem sustained during the 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain. The 23-year-old returned to training this week but has recovered slower than hoped.
Timber has been a mainstay in Mikel Arteta's team. The Dutch defender's performances have helped the Gunners build a strong defensive unit which has seen them become Manchester City's closest title challengers in recent seasons.
But Arteta issued a worrying update on Timber's fitness ahead of Sunday's huge Premier League clash against Liverpool. He admits to having hoped that Timber would be further along in his recovery.
"He has had the first session he could have some involvement with," the Spaniard told reporters. "He has been out for a while. We expected him to be further back than where he is at the moment, but again we have to wait and see."
And on Friday, the Netherlands released their provisional squad for Nations League fixtures against Hungary and Bosnia next month. Manager Ronald Koeman has opted not to select Timber, showing just how far away he is from a return to full fitness.
Timber is one of several injury concerns Arteta has in his squad currently. Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori are two other key players who could join Martin Odegaard in missing Sunday's game.
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