Is Jurrien Timber fit to play vs Bournemouth? Arsenal injury news and return dates

Arsenal fans are waiting patiently to discover when defender Jurrien Timber could be back in the fold for the first team.

The Dutchman returned to the pitch on Monday night and scored a superb goal as Arsenal's U21s drew with Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League 2. Timber played just 45 minutes at Ewood Park as he makes a tentative return to football.

Some had hoped that this performance against Blackburn could mean he returned to the bench on Sunday for the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur. However, the Gunners did not name him among the substitutes and instead, he will likely gain minutes against Liverpool's U21s on Monday.

When Mikel Arteta was asked prior to the Spurs clash if Timber would be on the teamsheet, the Spaniard was hopeful but admitted it could be close. «We’re going to have to make that decision tomorrow after a training session,» he said.

«It’s very close, I don’t know if this is going to come too soon for him, but he’s very close.» Should he get through the clash with Liverpool unscathed it could mean that Timber is in contention to be on the bench for the clash with AFC Bournemouth on Saturday lunchtime.

Fortunately for the Gunners, they have overcome all other injury concerns heading into next week. Gabriel Magalhaes was a doubt for the big game on Sunday after sustaining an ankle injury in the victory over Chelsea.

Arsenal confirm Timber decision

Arsenal player ratings vs Spurs

However, he started and played the full 90 minutes as Arsenal secured the bragging rights in North London.

Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Arsenal stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!

Click this link to follow the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel, where you'll be kept up to date