Jurrien Timber has sent a clear Arsenal warning for the remainder of the season following his injury return. Earlier this month, Mikel Arteta confirmed the Netherlands international would play for the Under-21s before making his senior return and that arrived against Blackburn on Monday evening.

Given he has not featured in eight months, Timber only played the first 45 minutes but he only needed eight to score the opening goal with a superb curling effort from the edge of the box. Following the game, Timber discussed his return with it clear he was delighted to be back. "It’s been eight months, you know," he said.

"To be honest, I still don’t really know how to feel, but just being out there feels amazing. Even now, it feels strange for me as well. It’s amazing, it’s been eight months. I feel happy, feel blessed to be out there and it was nice scoring a goal as well."

On what he was told by the rest of the squad, he added: "I can’t wait [to make first-team return.] The boys have been texting me already, so it’s going to be fun. I think we’re doing really well. The last couple of weeks have been tough, obviously out of the Champions League, but we’re still in the mix, we’re still there. I’m glad that I can be a part of it and let’s see what the last couple of weeks can bring. I hope something beautiful."

Arsenal also commented on the 22-year-old's return via Instagram with their post shared by the man himself. The caption read: "All the hard work pays off [red heart emoji.] A goal and 45 minutes in the tank for our Jurrien tonight on his long-awaited return to action [raised hands emoji.]"

With the post shared on Timber's social media, a number of players commented on his return with Newcastle's Sven Botman among those. His international team-mate wrote: "What we want to see [heart eyes and red heart emoji.]" Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk also made his feelings clear by replying with a flexed arm emoji.

Despite returning, Timber playing in this weekend's North London Derby against Tottenham seems unlikely, judging by Mikel Arteta's admission. "That's a quick step," the Spaniard said. "Let's see how he feels today. He has been training really good, he looks ready. Ne needs that exposure and after that we will assess whether that game comes at the right time or too fast. We will try to get him with us for the final games."

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