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Jurrien Timber shares what happened ‘immediately’ after he returned from injury for Arsenal

Jurrien Timber endured a nightmarish debut campaign at Arsenal.

The Netherlands international fell to the Emirates Stadium turf just 50 minutes into his Premier League debut in August 2023 after tearing his cruciate ligament – a serious injury which left him sidelined for the remainder of the season, barring a brief cameo against Everton on the final day.

When an injury this severe happens to a footballer, they can often be timid going into tackles, and Arsenal No.12 Jurrien Timber has now discussed what it felt like to make his comeback…

Jurrien Timber on his injury return

The Dutchman has been speaking to De Telegraaf about his cruciate ligament tear, where it was revealed that he did not hold back one bit after making his comeback.

Timber : “The knee is stronger than the other. Sometimes it still feels a bit stiff after a match or training, but in my head it doesn’t play a role at all anymore. When I went out for the first time, I immediately threw tackles again. Without any fear. You can’t just participate halfway, because then things go wrong.”

Netherlands Training And Press Conference
Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The 23-year-old is spot on.

Timber is far more likely to suffer another injury if he only puts 50% into duels, and it is pleasing to hear that he got stuck straight into action upon his return, showing no hesitance whatsoever.

There was a slight scare for Timber during the 1-1 draw against Brighton, although Mikel Arteta confirmed it was only cramp afterwards.

Arsenal No.12 has newfound pressure

The 2024/25 campaign is set to be a significant one for Timber as, not only does he need to prove his fitness after a serious injury, but the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori provides fierce competition on the left.

So far this season, the man from Utrecht has played at left-back, which can also invert into a midfield position.

Aston Villa FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

However, it is said that Arteta also views his £42m man Calafiori as an option in that exact area, so Timber will have to prove himself in more ways than just his fitness.

Hopefully, that does not put any added pressure on the Dutchman to push his body beyond its limits, or else a nasty setback could occur.