Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber steps up return from injury nightmare | Football

The Dutch defender signed for the Gunners from Ajax over the summer and made his debut against Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the Premier League season, but that has been his only appearance so far.

The 22-year-old limped out of the match at the Emirates after suffering an ACL injury, with the serious knee problem keeping him sidelined ever since.

However, there is hope that he will return to the pitch before the end of the season having returned to training with his teammates.

The Netherlands international is not back in full training just yet, but is no longer working on his own and has been in contract training with the rest of the squad.

There is still a chance that he could play a part this season, with Mikel Arteta hopeful that his recovery continues to go to plan.

‘I really hope so, he’s doing really well,’ said Arteta on the potential return for Timber this season. ‘He’s been around some players on the pitch and we are going to start to do some bits with us in the next week or so.

‘Then we need to see how that evolves, his confidence levels, his fitness levels and hopefully then the answer is “yes”.’

Arsenal’s fitness concerns are close to clearing up, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Thomas Partey expected to be available after injury in the next outing against Sheffield United on Monday.

There is also a chance that Takehiro Tomiyasu could make a surprisingly early return from injury against the Blades.

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