Jurrien Timber scores stunning goal on Arsenal U21s return

Jurrien Timber made a scintillating return to competitive action as he scored a stunning goal eight minutes into Arsenal U21s clash with Blackburn Rovers on Monday night.

The defender was destined to play a big role for Mikel Arteta's side this season after joining the club from Ajax this season, but he was dealt a killer blow on Matchday 1 of the Premier League season as he tore his ACL against Nottingham Forest.

Timber impressed the club's medical staff throughout his recovery and Arteta has long been optimistic that the Dutchman would play again before the end of the season. He took big step on Monday night by featuring for the Under-21s, and it didn't take long for Timber to remind us of his talent.

Jurrien Timber closes in on return after making U21 start

The 22-year-old started at left-back for Mehmet Ali's side at Ewood Park, drifting into midfield when the Gunners had the ball. It's the role we saw him perform during pre-season, and a role Arteta undoubtedly had set out for Timber in 2023/24.

However, it was his stunning opener in Monday's game which did the rounds. Receiving possession in an inside left position, Timber swivelled smoothly in the box and created a yard of space before firing home a pinpoint strike into the top left corner.

It was a strike of the highest quality. Utter filth.

Timber was withdrawn at half-time with the scores level at 2-2, and questions will now be asked as to when he'll feature for the first team. Asked ahead of Tuesday's clash against Chelsea whether Timber could be involved in Sunday's North London Derby, Arteta replied: “That’s a quick step!

“Let’s see how he feels today. He has been training really good, he looks ready.

“He needs that exposure and after that we will assess whether that game comes at the right time or too fast. We will try to get him with us for the final games.”

The huge trip to N17 may be a fixture too soon for Timber, but there's almost no doubt that we'll be seeing him again before the 2023/24 season draws to a close. Given the instability at the left-back position in recent weeks, his return to full fitness will be a timely one.

A few more Ewood Park-esque strikes wouldn't go amiss down the stretch either!

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