Arsenal 'handed Jurrien Timber boost as defender eyes imminent comeback'
The Netherlands international won the Community Shield on his first senior appearance for the club since his arrival from Ajax, but he has now spent over eight months on the treatment table with the ACL injury he sustained on his Premier League debut.
Timber's recovery went according to plan, though, and after training with the first team for a number of weeks, he was given the green light to return to competitive action with the Under-21s earlier this month.
The 22-year-old's first game back in an Arsenal jersey saw him score a stunning goal in a 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League 2 on April 22, completing 45 minutes of the contest at left-back.
Timber was not risked for the weekend's North London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur, though, instead playing another 70 minutes for the youth team in a 2-0 triumph over Liverpool.
Timber to be assessed ahead of Bournemouth showdownHaving come through those two Under-21s matches unscathed, the Evening Standard reports that Timber is eyeing a first-team return in this weekend's showdown with the Cherries at the Emirates.
After Mikel Arteta admitted that the Dutchman was close to being part of the senior squad for the North London derby, the Spaniard's coaching staff will carefully assess Timber to determine his availability for the weekend.
Should Timber be given the thumbs-up to make the senior squad on May 4, Arsenal are set to be working with a fully-fit contingent against Bournemouth as they endeavour to keep Manchester City at bay for the time being.
Thanks to their thrilling 3-2
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