What can Jurrien Timber provide Arsenal during the run-in?

Jurrien Timber is finally set to return to action for Arsenal after picking up an ACL injury in the team's season opener against Nottingham Forest back in August. He will be looking to make as big of an impact as he can to help the Gunners to their first Premier League title in 20 years.

Every Arsenal player will need to give their best as the team head into the title run-in and Timber will be no stranger to that.

There is no doubt of the Netherlands international's ability, but what exactly will he provide Arsenal with for the most crucial part of the season?

What can Jurrien Timber provide Arsenal?

Timber starred at full-back throughout Arsenal's pre-season and played primarily on the left side of defence. He then went onto mark his Premier League debut with a start at left-back. It's clear that Mikel Arteta prefers Timber as a full-back and this will allow him to provide his best for run-in.

Throughout pre-season, Timber showed that he can provide much more than the average full-back with several outstanding performances. He was frequently involved in the team's attacking moves, making marauding runs forward both on and off the ball.

Timber also showed that he is stout defensively. Athletic, powerful, and excellent one-on-one, the Dutchman consistently displayed his bravery and was always quick to put his body on the line to block any chances from the opposition. This is something that Arsenal's usual first-choice left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko isn't particularly brilliant at doing.

Mikel Arteta will be hesitant to rush Timber back to action and will most likely ease him back into the team. With Jakub Kiwior currently in fine form, the willingness to wait on Timber's return will come as no surprise.

In his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest, Timber had a pass completion rate of 89.13% with 41 successful passes out of 46. This shows that he is more than capable of fitting back into an Arsenal team that frequently use swift passing play in attacking moves.

With Arteta hesitant to rush him back into the starting 11 and Kiwior's good form at left back, Timber will no doubt be used on the bench for now. This won't thwart him in providing his best, though. He will be able to provide back-up for Kiwior and will likely be above Zinchenko in the pecking order due to his ability to both attack and defend, and his injury proneness.

Thanks to his defensive versatility, he will also be available to provide cover for Ben White at right back and Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba in the centre of defence if necessary. This will be done without any fear of weakening the team's strength.

As shown in his pre-season appearances and singular Premier League game, Timber will supply Arsenal with plenty of brilliance in both attack and defence. His abilities will allow Mikel Arteta to call on a fresh set of legs when the Gunners are either looking for a goal or defending a lead.

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