Jurrien Timber expected to make Arsenal return vs Bournemouth

Having endured over eight months on the sidelines, Jurrien Timber is set to return to Arsenal's matchday squad this weekend with the title hopefuls welcoming Bournemouth to the Emirates.

After joining the club from Ajax last summer, Timber made an immediate impression in north London and the stage was set for the Dutchman to play a key role for the Gunners in 2023/24.

Timber starred in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City, but his debut campaign was thwarted the following week when he succumbed to an ACL tear on Matchday 1 of the Premier League season against Nottingham Forest.

Jurrien Timber expected to make Arsenal return vs Bournemouth

Timber's road to recovery has doubtlessly been arduous, and there have been times when the Gunners have certainly missed his presence with Oleksandr Zinchenko, in particular, enduring a drop-off.

Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu have combined to fill the void, but there's no doubt that Timber will re-emerge as Mikel Arteta's starting left-back once he gets back into the swing of things.

The boss has long been hopeful that Timber would play a part before the end of the season, and the defender is finally ready to make his return to the matchday squad with three league games remaining.

The 22-year-old has played twice for the club's U21s, scoring a majestic goal just eight minutes into his first competitive appearance since August. There was speculation that Timber could make the squad for Sunday's North London Derby, but the game arrived too soon for the versatile defender.

While his return has not yet been confirmed, it is an expectation. Last week, Timber said he was itching for his reintegration and to potentially help the Gunners towards the Premier League title

“I can’t wait,” he said. “The boys have been texting me already, so it's going to be fun.

“I think we’re doing really well. The last couple of weeks have been tough, obviously out of the Champions League, but we’re still in the mix [in the title race], we’re still there.

“I’m glad that I can be a part of it and let’s see what the last couple of weeks can bring. I hope something beautiful.”

Arsenal take on Bournemouth at Saturday lunchtime this weekend before travelling to Old Trafford the following week. The season concludes at home to Everton on Sunday 19 May.

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