Just when Arsenal fans were breathing a sigh of relief after clinching a Champions League spot, there’s another bit of injury news to digest.
Defender Jurrien Timber is now set to undergo ankle surgery, adding yet another name to Arsenal’s long list of injury concerns this season.
Timber to Go Under the Knife After Ongoing Fitness Struggles
The club’s medical team has decided it’s time for Timber to address the ankle issue that’s been bothering him.
While he’s been trying to manage it behind the scenes, things clearly haven’t improved.
He hasn’t played in any of Arsenal’s last three Premier League matches, and now, with just one game left this season, surgery has been confirmed.
His return date remains uncertain, but with Arsenal’s season almost wrapped up, the timing could work in his favor for next season preparations.
Injury Comes After a Busy Season for the Dutch Defender
Timber has been an important figure for Arsenal this season, appearing in 48 games across all competitions.
His most recent outing was in the Champions League semi-final second leg against PSG, where he put in a solid 83 minutes.
But since then, he’s either been left out of the matchday squad—like against Newcastle—or remained on the bench, as he did against Liverpool.
It now makes sense why he hasn’t been involved—his ankle needed attention, and the club has decided not to delay the inevitable.
A Frustrating Few Years for Timber Since Joining Arsenal
After signing from Ajax in 2023, Timber’s time in north London has been anything but smooth.
He missed most of his debut season with a serious ACL injury picked up during his very first Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.
Just as he was finally finding rhythm again this season, this new ankle issue surfaced.
While he’s managed to be a regular in the squad this year, it’s clear the physical toll has been mounting.
Arsenal’s Injury List Just Keeps Growing
Timber’s operation adds to what’s been a frustrating injury picture at the Emirates.
Arsenal have had several key players miss time this season—Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kai Havertz have all spent time out.
Even now, with just one game left to play—an away trip to Southampton—players like Jesus, Tomiyasu, and Gabriel Magalhães are still sidelined, and William Saliba recently picked up a hamstring injury.
Hope Still High for a Full Recovery Before Pre-Season
The positive spin? With just one fixture left, Timber won’t miss much in the short term.
Arsenal will be hoping he can recover in time for pre-season, which will be crucial as Mikel Arteta looks to prepare his team for a title push next year.
Getting all hands on deck from the start will be key to going one better in the Premier League.
Doubt Cast Over Timber’s Involvement With National Team
Beyond Arsenal, Timber might also be forced to miss international duty.
The Netherlands are scheduled to play World Cup qualifiers against Finland and Malta next month, and given the timing of the surgery, it’s unclear whether he’ll be available.
A decision on his participation will likely depend on how quickly he recovers in the coming weeks.