Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber suffered an injury setback ahead of his side’s pre-season friendly against Bayer Leverkusen, according to reports.
Timber, who made his competitive return this summer after a serious knee injury cut short much of his previous season, had been expected to be fully fit for the start of the Premier League.
The 23-year-old featured for Arsenal’s U-21s in April and May to aid his recovery.
He played in two of Arsenal’s warm-up games in the United States, against Bournemouth and Manchester United, but missed the match against Liverpool.
The Times reporter Gary Jacob has revealed that Timber is now dealing with a ‘load-bearing’ injury, though it is not believed to be related to his previous knee problems.
As a result, the Netherlands international is considered a doubt for this evening’s friendly against Leverkusen at the Emirates, as well as this weekend’s match against Lyon.
Arsenal kick off their new Premier League season next weekend against Wolves, and it remains to be seen if Timber will be fit in time.
Providing an update on Timber’s injury, Mikel Arteta said: “Jurrien Timber had little discomfort in his foot the last few days”.
“After the time he has been out, we did not want to take any risks.
In February, Timber mentioned that his time on the treatment table had made him ‘stronger,’ reflecting on the positives he had taken from his recovery process.
“Of course, at some points it’s been difficult,” he told Arsenal’s official club website.
“Because you’re not playing, and that’s the thing you love to do.
“I use that as motivation during my recovery.
“I see the boys a lot, at the training ground but also at the games, and that’s been good for me too.
“Even though I’m not playing, I can take this moment to become stronger mentally, physically and also to feel at home with this group of boys.
“It’s an opportunity I’ve taken with both hands.
“I’ve had some more time to watch the team, see how we play, see how I can fit in when I get on the pitch.
“So looking at the positives, I think there have been many.”
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