Jurrien Timber Nears Arsenal Return for Champions League Clash at Napoli
Jurrien Timber has returned to Arsenal training after minor groin surgery and could make his first appearance of the 2026-27 campaign in Wednesday’s Champions League visit to Napoli.
Timber closing on Arsenal comeback
Arsenal are managing Timber’s workload carefully after his summer operation, with no decision to risk the defender before he is fully ready. Ben White is currently providing experienced cover at right-back.
- Timber, 25, has not played for the Premier League champions this season.
- His potential return could come against Napoli in Italy on Wednesday.
- Arsenal’s medical and coaching staff will take a cautious approach to his fitness.
- The Dutch international is nearing 100 appearances for the Gunners across his two seasons in north London.
The former Ajax academy player endured a badly disrupted first Arsenal season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Since recovering, he has become a major part of Mikel Arteta’s defensive group alongside William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and goalkeeper David Raya.
Sagna backs Timber’s all-round game
Former Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna believes Timber belongs among the elite players in his position, pointing to his defensive discipline as much as his threat in possession.
Sagna said Timber’s one-on-one ability, intelligence and balance between attack and defence stand out. He argued that the best full-backs must offer more than assists and forward runs, stressing that a defender cannot repeatedly leave his side exposed during opposition counter-attacks.
He added that Timber is rarely found in the wrong area of the pitch, seldom produces a poor performance and has shown impressive consistency. Sagna also said he sees similarities between Timber’s game and his own.
Arsenal’s next fixtures
Arteta’s side have opened the season strongly, lifting the Community Shield after beating Manchester City before taking maximum points from their first three Premier League matches. Their latest league win came after recovering from behind against Chelsea.
- Wednesday: Napoli vs Arsenal, Champions League
- Next Premier League match: Sunderland vs Arsenal
- Carabao Cup third round: Ipswich Town vs Arsenal at Portman Road
