Jurrien Timber has been included in Arsenal’s squad for the Champions League knockout phases.
The defender arrived from Ajax for £38million in the summertime and seemed an on the spot hit. Timber dropped a masterclass show within the Community Shield win over Manchester City, however picked up a grotesque ACL harm on his Premier League debut on August 12.
He underwent surgical procedure and has since stepped up his rehabilitation by returning to the grass throughout the Gunners’ mid-season coaching camp in Dubai final month. And now the 22-year-old Dutchman has been handed an enormous increase by being included in Mikel Arteta’s Champions League squad.
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Arsenal tackle Porto within the last-16 of the match, taking part in the primary leg in Portugal on February 21 earlier than taking part in the return leg on March 12 on the Emirates Stadium. Timber’s inclusion signifies Arteta is optimistic his full-back will play a job going ahead.
His restoration has come earlier than anticipated for the Gunners. And his return will probably be important as Arteta’s males method the enterprise finish of the season.
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(Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Arsenal are nonetheless firmly within the Premier League title race following their 3-1 win over Liverpool, with Timber having needed to watch on from the sidelines up till now. He admitted it has been a irritating begin to his profession in England, however chooses to soak up the “positives”.
He mentioned: “Of course at some factors it’s been troublesome, since you’re not taking part in, and that’s the factor you like to do. Sometimes you actually need to be part of the workforce – if you end up having fun with the sport a lot you actually need to get down there and be a part of it.
(Image: Arsenal FC through Getty Images)
“That’s frustrating, because sometimes it looks so amazing you want to be part of it. But I use that as motivation during my recovery. I see the boys a lot, at the training ground but also at the games, and that’s been good for me too. These months will definitely make me stronger.
“It’s an opportunity I’ve taken with both hands. I’ve had some more time to watch the team, see how we play, how I can fit in when I get on the pitch. So looking at the positives, I think there have been many.”