Mikel Arteta issues Jurrien Timber injury update ahead of Arsenal vs Tottenham

Mikel Arteta revealed that Jurrien Timber is in contention to make his first-team return against Tottenham on Sunday but faces a late fitness test in training on Saturday.

Timber completed a £38.5million switch from Ajax last summer but suffered a devastating setback during his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest.

The subsequent ACL injury has kept the Dutchman sidelined for over eight months, but Timber is now on the verge of making his return to the first team at a crucial time for the Gunners.

The defender was on the scoresheet in an Under-21 game against Blackburn on Monday evening, with Arteta confirming that the 22-year-old could now play a part in the north London derby at the weekend.

‘We are going to have to make that decision tomorrow after training,’ the Spaniard confirmed at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

‘He is very close. I don’t know if it is going to come too early, this one. But he is very close.’

Timber, meanwhile, expressed his excitement at the possibility of playing a part in the title run-in.

‘I can’t wait, the season is almost finished, we’ve got a few more games left and I hope to be a part of the team for the final few matches,’ the defender said, speaking to the club website after his Under-21 appearance.

‘The last couple of weeks have been tough, but, we are still in the mix and have every chance to win it. I’m glad that I can finally be part of it. Let’s see what the next couple of weeks bring, I hope it’s something beautiful.’

Arsenal currently hold a one-point advantage over Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand.

With no other injury concerns, Arteta conceded he now had a selection headache as he looks to pick an XI to build on the momentum from their midweek thrashing of Chelsea.

‘It’s a good headache! You feel for the players because you see how much they want it. It’s always difficult but as well they’re fully ready to come on the pitch however we need them,’ he said.

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