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Will Jurrien Timber make Arsenal return in North London Derby?
- Jurrien Timber celebrated return with stunning goal for U21s
- Timber has recovered from ACL tear
- Could he be involved in the North London Derby?
Jurrien Timber is edging closer to a full return to action, and Mikel Arteta confirmed a decision will be made over his inclusion in the North London Derby on Saturday.
Arsenal supporters have been forced to be patient during Timber's recovery, with the club understandably taking a cautious stance over his return. The Dutchman, who signed from Ajax last summer, has been out since Matchday 1 of the Premier League season after tearing his ACL against Nottingham Forest.
Timber was back out on the grass at the start of 2024 during Arsenal's mid-season training camp in Dubai, and he's been involved in training for well over a month.
Arteta has long been hopeful that Timber would feature again before the season draws to a close, and the 22-year-old edged ever closer to his full comeback on Monday night.
Will Jurrien Timber make Arsenal return in North London Derby?
A stunning strike from Jurrien Timber for Arsenal U21s 💥
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) April 22, 2024
The Dutch defender is nearing a return to first-team action after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury on the opening day of the #PL season.
📼 @ArsenalAcademy pic.twitter.com/uAMBcW0wCg
Timber started for the U21s against Blackburn on Monday night, celebrating his return with an utterly outrageous finish just eight minutes in to give Arsenal the lead. The defender, who performed an inverted left-back role, lasted 45 minutes as Mehmet Ali's side drew 2-2.
There was plenty of buzz in the wake of Timber's first outing since August, with many suggesting that the defender should feature in Sunday's huge North London Derby away at Tottenham.
And while Arteta highlighted that a return this weekend would be a hasty move, the boss didn't rule out the possibility. "That’s a quick step! Let’s see how he feels today [for the U21s]," the boss, speaking on Monday, answered to the idea of Timber being involved on Sunday.
"He’s been training really good, he looks ready. He needs that exposure and after that we will assess whether that game comes in time or too fast. I will try to get him back with us for the final games."
The boss provided an even more optimistic update during his press conference, confirming that Timber is in contention to make Sunday's matchday squad.
“I can confirm that it’s very close now," Arteta said on Timber's return.“We are going to have to make that decision tomorrow [Saturday]”.
How exciting!
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