Jurriën Timber leaves Arsenal's pre-season camp over fitness issue

Jurriën Timber has left Arsenal's pre-season training camp to travel back to London due to an ongoing injury, according to Sami Mokbel of BBC Sport.

The right back has returned to the English capital as part of his rehabilitation schedule in relation to the groin issue that kept him out for the final two months of the 2025/26 season, barring the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

While Timber has left the camp due to a persistent fitness problem, it is reported to be a planned decision and he will be returning to the Gunners in Spain.

Jurriën Timber temporarily leaves Arsenal's training camp

Despite returning to fitness to come off the bench in the Champions League final on 30 May, Timber failed to make it to the World Cup with the Netherlands as he withdrew from the squad with the groin injury that has forced him to temporarily leave Arsenal's training camp.

HandofArsenal reported earlier today that the right back did undergo a minor operation this summer with the club's medical team monitoring his condition and fitness very closely during pre-season, likely the reason behind his journey back to London.

Timber was forced off with an injury in a 2-0 win over Everton on 14 March and that was his final appearance until May's Champions League final. He was absent for 10 games and missed practically the entirety of the run-in as his side beat Manchester City to the Premier League title for their first triumph in 22 years.

The likes of Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera filled in for the Dutchman during his absence and they should continue to do so throughout pre-season and the opening games of the campaign if their teammate needs to continue recovering to full fitness.

Arsenal oversaw a major change of their medical team this summer, bringing in Arnaldo Abrantes as head of medicine and performance, and it looks as if he is already making a positive impact by overseeing Timber's return to England for his rehabilitation.

The defender should serve as an example for the Gunners heading into the new season. Their key players were pushed right to the limit and while they reaped the rewards in the form of the league title, it has put several squad members at risk of a serious injury and that is the last thing Mikel Arteta will want ahead of a title defence.

Fans will be excited to see Timber back in action, but the club are doing the important thing in allowing him to recover fully. However, he is expected to return to Spain and could be given some minutes in Saturday's friendly clash with Girona.

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