Jurrien Timber is closing in on a return to first-team action having been sidelined since August.

The Dutch defender suffered a serious ACL injury during the Gunners' opening Premier League match of the season, a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, and has remained unavailable for selection ever since.

It was anticipated at the time Timber would not play again during the 2023/24 season, though the 22-year-old recently made a comeback appearance for Arsenal under-21s versus Blackburn Rovers. Coming through unscathed, he then featured in a 2-0 win against Liverpool under-21s last Sunday.

Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday afternoon the former Ajax star would not be taking part in Friday night's fixture against Manchester United under-21s, raising the possibility of Timber being included in the matchday squad for Bournemouth. This did not prove to be the case, however, ensuring there are only two more chances for the defender to feature in 2023/24.

The Arsenal boss made clear the defender is ready to play, admitting this represented a major boost for his side. "It does [act as a boost] because it increases the quality of the training sessions," he said. "You see how commanding he is, his leadership, his quality and the rest they have to lift it up and they start to demand more from each other and they look at each other and say 'mhmm, I better be good because I want to keep playing', and this is very positive for the squad."

Pushed further on whether Timber is ready to make an impact, Arteta added: "We won’t know that until we throw him in there. It’s tricky because there are only three games to go and he has missed eight months of football, he’s played only 115 minutes of football with the Under-21s, it’s a question that can only be resolved by throwing him on the pitch and we will see what happens, we have to try to nail that decision when [we take it]."

It remains to be seen whether or not the full-back features in Arsenal's remaining fixtures as the Premier League title race draws to an end. Debating what would be the best course of action as regards Timber, football.london writers have had their say below.

Kaya Kaynak - Arsenal writer

I do sympathise with the calls to bring Jurrien Timber back into the squad, but the question has to be, who do you drop out?
Jakub Kiwior has been great for most of this year at left back, while Oleksandr Zinchenko is a totally unique option in that position for his ability to control the game. Takehiro Tomiyasu meanwhile has been in superb form and is probably first choice for the remainder of the season.

You could maybe look at dropping one of the midfielders out of the squad. That would probably mean one of Emile Smith Rowe or Fabio Vieira. Personally, I could make peace with leaving the latter out, given his lack of contributions from the bench since returning from injury.

Even still, throwing Timber in at Old Trafford for his first minutes in nine months when Arsenal have to win feels too big a risk. I can only see him playing on the final day against Everton if there’s nothing to play for, which we’re all hoping isn’t the case. It’s fantastic that Arsenal have been able to get him back from injury, but unless there’s an injury, I think we may have to wait till next season to see Timber’s grand return.

Tom Canton - Arsenal writer

I like what should be all Arsenal fans would love to see Jurrien Timber back in the shirt and on the field as soon as possible. However, the reality is that there are players more ready for what are two incredibly important fixtures.

Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White, the two players in the way of Timber’s chances of a start, have been excellent. The former has only just returned to the starting line-up himself and it would be incredibly harsh to therefore drop him.

The best way to get Timber involved is from the bench in a scenario where the game state is not relying on a transformative action from the Dutchman. Anything else might be something of an ask, that said his goal for the under-21s has shown he can step up and provide the spectacular.

If by the last game of the season, the title is decided, here could be a chance to start Timber too. Although, we’re very much hoping this is not going to be the case.

Tom Cavilla - Central Audience writer

With only two Premier League games remaining, it's now or never for Arsenal.

The Gunners find themselves in a title tussle with City for the second season in succession and will require strong performances against Manchester United and Everton to get over the line.

Adding Timber into the mix could make a huge difference as Arteta's men look to find an extra five or ten per cent at the final hurdle.

Timber was set to play a major role for the club this campaign, only for a nasty injury to thwart him, but there is still time for the defender to have his say.

Arteta may opt against starting him from the off, for United at least, though there is no reason why he cannot be utilised as a super sub should Arsenal be struggling to find a win.

Josh Holland - Central Audience writer

A player of Timber's quality, you can completely understand why Arsenal may want to turn to him for a vital end of season. However, there are two huge reasons why they should try and avoid returning him before the end of the season.

First of all, a return to action could see his injury reoccur and set him back over the summer. In the long term, it would be more beneficial to have the defender fully fit for next season.

Then there's also the case of changing a winning squad after four straight wins. After defeating Wolves, Chelsea and Tottenham, Arteta's side are on red-hot form. Maintaining the same XI is certainly better for the final two games.

However, with that being said, it wouldn't hurt bringing him off the bench at Old Trafford next week in the latter stages.

Tom Coley - Central Audience writer

There is absolutely no need to rush Timber back between now and May 19. For one, his own welfare must be managed.

Arsenal have a settled backline and just two games to play. It is better to write off his campaign than try and force something for the sake of it at this stage.

We have seen countless times situations whereby players come back into an intense environment at the top level and cause themselves more damage. Timber has been cautiously handled, and rightly so, but unless games are out of sight against Manchester United and Everton, there is no reason to change things about.

Handing Timber a full pre-season to get fit and sharp before things start again in August is more of a priority than some minor game time here. Maybe a bench appearance would be nice if it's possible, but in his current state, it shouldn't be relied upon to make a difference.

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