However, the last month has seen the Dutch international make huge strides in his bid to return to full fitness before the end of the season, with a handful of appearances for Arsenal’s youth side.
Now, after spending nearly nine months on the sidelines, Timber could be ready to make his first-team return for Arsenal in this weekend’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s North London Derby, Mikel Arteta admitted there was a chance Timber could be part of the Gunner’s 20-man match day squad.
“We have to make that decision [Saturday] after the training session,” said the Gunners boss. “He’s very close, I don’t know if this is too early, but he’s very close now.”
After Saturday’s game against the Cherries, Arsenal have just two fixtures left of this season’s Premier League campaign, with a trip to Manchester United on May 12 before Everton visit North London seven days later.
