Jurrien Timber admits Premier League adaptation still required after injury

Jurrien Timber has admitted he still needs to adapt to the "intensity" of the Premier League having worked his way back into the Arsenal starting XI to kick-off the 2024/25 season.

After joining the club for what many regarded as a bargain £38m fee in 2022, Timber immediately impressed supporters before cruelly suffering an ACL tear on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

He spent much of his debut campaign on the sidelines, but the Dutchman did make his long-awaited return to action off the bench on the final day of the season. Over the summer, Mikel Arteta noted how excited he was at having a "leader" in Timber back at his disposal, and it hasn't taken the former Ajax man long to return to the Spaniard's starting XI.

However, the man himself has admitted that an acclimatisation period is still needed having returned from a long-term setback.

Jurrien Timber admits Premier League adaptation still required after injury

Oleksandr Zinchenko's impressive pre-season meant he earned a start on Matchday 1 of the 2024/25 campaign, but Timber offered distinct security when protecting a lead having entered off the bench against Wolves, and has subsequently started Arsenal's next two Premier League fixtures.

The Dutchman struggled somewhat amid a rusty performance at Villa Park, but looked more at ease in the 1-1 draw with Brighton. While Riccardo Calafiori's arrival means competition for places in the backline is fierce, Timber's rounded profile means we can expect him to play a big role for the Gunners this term,

However, it may be a few weeks before we see the versatile defender in full flight. He's still adjusting to the rigours of Premier League football.

“My body still has to get used to the intensity of the Premier League. That’s logical. This was only my fourth match, and after a serious injury. I have to accept that. Fortunately, there are more matches coming up now," Timber recently told Dutch outlet AD.

With the Champions League expanding and Arsenal hopefully competing for the Premier League title, Arteta will have to smartly rotate his options at left-back. Timber was carefully managed last season, and similar caution must be shown this term despite the player's return to full fitness.

The defender is currently away with his brother on international duty with the Netherlands, and a first North London Derby beckons upon his return.

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