Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is set to undergo ankle surgery, casting doubt over his availability for the start of next season. The Netherlands international missed the Gunners’ 3-0 win over Newcastle United on Sunday after sustaining an ankle injury, and will now face a spell on the sidelines.
Timber, who has emerged as a key player for Mikel Arteta’s side this season, had been managing fitness issues in recent weeks but was fit enough to start both legs of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. However, he was absent for the victory over Newcastle, which confirmed the Gunners will finish the season as Premier League runners-up.
With just one fixture remaining, a home clash against Southampton, Arteta’s focus has already shifted towards planning for next season. But Timber’s latest injury setback presents an early challenge, with his upcoming surgery expected to disrupt his pre-season preparations.
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According to The Telegraph, Arsenal’s medical team has recommended surgery to address the ongoing ankle problem. The club has not confirmed a recovery timeline, leaving Arteta uncertain about Timber’s availability for the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
Jurrien Timber (Image credit: Getty Images)Speaking before the Newcastle game, Arteta revealed that Timber had participated in part of training during the week but was ultimately not fit enough to make the squad. The Dutchman’s season now appears to be over as he shifts focus to returning fully fit for next year.
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Arteta, who has led Arsenal to three consecutive second-place finishes and is still chasing his first major trophy in five years, is determined to mount a serious challenge next season — but admits there are no guarantees.
“I don’t know. I will try. When I can, I promise I will do my very best,” the Spaniard said after the Newcastle win. “I will live my life here. I will give everything. I will get every drop of everybody there. Squeeze it to get the best. But promise? I cannot promise that next season I’m going to win the Premier League or the Champions League.
“If I have to do that, I won’t because I cannot promise anybody that. My best and the best of these players are going to try and go mad chasing that — I guarantee you that’s going to happen.”
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