Timber Set for Arsenal Return as Arteta Prepares for Sunderland Clash
Mikel Arteta expects Jurrien Timber to be back in the Arsenal squad “very soon” as the champions look to extend their perfect start to the Premier League season at Sunderland on Saturday evening.
The Dutch defender has not played for the club since last season’s Champions League final but travelled with the group for the 1-0 win away to Napoli in midweek, a clear sign he is edging towards a competitive return.
This week, Timber has stepped up his work at London Colney, rejoining full training and pushing for a place in the matchday squad at the Stadium of Light.
“Let’s see,” Arteta said when asked if the 23-year-old could feature against Sunderland. “We have another training session today. He’s been training with us for a few days. Let’s see.”
For a side already moving through the gears, Timber’s comeback would be a significant boost. Arsenal have opened their title defence with three wins from three, the latest a 2-1 victory over Chelsea that backed up the statement win in Naples.
Arteta’s defensive options, though, remain under scrutiny. William Saliba is still out, while Cristhian Mosquera, who missed the Chelsea and Napoli games with a knock, is facing a race against time to be involved at the weekend.
The manager offered a positive update on Mosquera’s recovery but stopped short of guaranteeing his inclusion, hinting the young defender may have to wait.
Ben White, substituted in Italy, is understood to be fine, leaving Saliba and potentially Mosquera as the only likely absentees if Timber is passed fit.
Arsenal arrive in the North East in commanding form but with a recent reminder of how quickly things can unravel there. Their last visit to Sunderland ended in frustration, an 11-match winning run halted by a dramatic 2-2 draw last November.
On that night, Arsenal came from behind to lead, only for Brian Brobbey to snatch an injury-time equaliser and leave Arteta’s players staring at the turf in disbelief.
“Last year we dropped points there and in the last minute,” Arteta reflected. “We experienced and learned a lot from that game.”
That memory still stings. It also shapes the message in the dressing room.
“Tomorrow we will discuss many things we want to be aware of and where we want to take the game and how to nullify their strengths,” Arteta said.
Arsenal travel as champions, unbeaten, and with a key defender almost back in the fold. Sunderland, and the ghosts of last November, now stand between them and a flawless start that would send another early warning to the rest of the league.
