Arsenal have been handed a timely injury update regarding the potential return date of defender Jurrien Timber.

Timber was withdrawn after 50 minutes of the Gunners opening Premier League game of the season against Nottingham Forest, with it later transpiring he had suffered a tear in his ACL. The initial assessment given was that the Netherlands international would be out for a sustained ‘period of time’.

Recently, a report has claimed the 22-year-old is aiming to return for Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League clash with FC Porto in February.

Of course, it’s unlikely Timber will be training with his teammates anytime soon but it’s feasible that the defender will be allowed to train on his own outside as he steps up his recovery from injury.

Earlier this month, Timber admitted he is eyeing an earlier return than first planned, with the hope he can still contribute towards the Gunners’ 2023/24 season.

“I feel like it’s going pretty quick,” he said of his recovery.

“I’m making good progress and also the knee is reacting very well so I’m happy with the way things are going. Let’s just see how things are going and how long it will be still.”