Mikel Arteta rates Jurrien Timber chance of Arsenal return vs Tottenham in North London Derby

Mikel Arteta has played down suggestions that Jurrien Timber could return to the Arsenal first team squad for the North London Derby on Sunday.

The 22-year-old has been out since August after suffering an ACL injury on the opening day of the Premier League season. He return to first team training earlier this year though and is set to take the next step in his recovery by appearing in an Under-21s match against Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.

There had been some suggestions that Timber could be involved for Sunday's clash with Tottenham if he comes through the game at Ewood Park unscathed. Arteta though, seemed to imply that could come too soon.

«That's a quick step,» the Spaniard said when asked if he could be involved against Spurs. «Let's see how he feels today. He has been training really good, he looks ready. Ne needs that exposure and after that we will assess whether that game comes at the right time or too fast. We will try to get him with us for the final games.»

It is still thought that Timber could be available for Arsenal's final games in the Premier League title. Should he make his return then Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman will be watching on with intrigue.

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Timber was a crucial part of the Dutch squad that made it to the quarter finals of the World Cup in Qatar, and there is a hope that he could be involved in this summer's Euros. For now though, Arteta has suggested that seems a way off.

«At the moment it looks really far because he hasn't played any football,» the Arsenal manager said. «Let's see how he goes tonight and see if he can