Timber, who joined the Emirates Stadium from Ajax for £34 million last summer, had a disastrous first season with the Gunners.

After suffering a serious knee injury on his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest in August, the Netherlands international finally returned to the top flight on the final day of the 2023/24 season.

A 22-minute appearance against Everton on May 19th was a welcome boost for all involved, and Timber is now ready to play a full role in pre-season.

That’s how the first two games against Bournemouth and Manchester United unfolded, with Timber on the pitch for 62 and 63 minutes respectively.

However, the 23-year-old was ruled out for a second consecutive game, when Arsenal played Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night.

Arteta comments on Timber status

Arsenal enjoyed an entertaining night at the Emirates Stadium, winning 4-1 against an unbeaten side in last season’s Bundesliga.

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz were all on the scoresheet ahead of the club’s final warm-up match against Lyon at the weekend.

After the game, Arteta was naturally asked about Timber’s condition and will be hoping he performs like a new signing given his absence last season.

Rather than worrying about a previous knee injury, the Spaniard revealed that it was a foot problem that had kept Timber out of action.

According to The Telegraph’s Sam Dean, Arteta said: “Julian Timber has had very little discomfort in his foot over the last few days. “After he was out we didn’t want to take any risks.”

Ramification for new season?

While Arteta will no doubt be hoping that Timber is available for the start of the new campaign, it was always highly unlikely that he would be risked for the opening Premier League game with Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 17.

There has been speculation regarding the future of Zinchenko, yet the Ukraine international showed on Tuesday night that he is ready to fight for his place.

Timber will almost certainly be eased back into action, especially with Arsenal only having three competitive fixtures on their schedule until the middle of September.


  • What is the Universe?

  • BTS’ Suga summarily indicted over DUI offense

  • Do you know Kai ?

  • Who is Xiao Zhan ?