Mikel Arteta has confirmed Jurrien Timber could return to the Arsenal squad for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea, providing an unexpected boost ahead of the London derby.
Timber has not played a competitive match since coming off the bench in Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat in May. Those were his first minutes since mid-March, before a persistent groin problem eventually required surgery.
The Netherlands international subsequently missed the World Cup, but has now returned to first-team training with Arsenal.
He had initially been expected to remain unavailable until later in September. Arteta, however, has now revealed that Timber could be considered for selection against Chelsea at the Emirates.
“He’s in really good condition at the moment,” Arteta said. “He’s been training with us now, he’s in a good place.”
Asked directly whether Timber could face Chelsea, the Arsenal manager added: “We will decide again tomorrow after training.”
Bruno Guimaraes also set for Arsenal training return
There was further encouragement regarding Bruno Guimaraes, who made a brief substitute appearance in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Aston Villa on Monday.
The Brazil international was not pictured during Thursday’s training session after taking a knock at Villa Park, but Arteta expects him to resume training.
“He had a knock against Villa in the previous game,” Arteta explained. “He’s been assessed, but probably tomorrow he will be OK to train.”
Guimaraes joined Arsenal from Newcastle for £75 million during the summer and has already featured in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
Mosquera fitness remains uncertain
There is less certainty surrounding Cristhian Mosquera, who was replaced by new signing Ezri Konsa midway through the second half against Aston Villa.
Arteta played down the severity of the problem but said the defender would need to be assessed again.
“It was more precaution than anything else,” Arteta said. “We have to see tomorrow in the session how he feels.”
Should Mosquera be ruled out, Konsa could make his first Arsenal start since completing his £51 million move from Villa towards the end of the summer transfer window.
The defensive situation remains significant for Arteta, with William Saliba still recovering from a back injury.
Chelsea sweating over Moises Caicedo
Chelsea also have a fitness concern ahead of the Emirates showdown, with Moises Caicedo a doubt after suffering an injury during their 4-3 victory over Brighton last weekend.
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso confirmed that the midfielder’s condition would be assessed in the final training session before Sunday’s match.
“We will check tomorrow. Tomorrow is the last session for the squad on Sunday,” Alonso said.
“We need to not worry about the things that happen. We will make the final decision tomorrow.”
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Both Arsenal and Chelsea have made perfect starts to the Premier League campaign, meaning Sunday’s meeting at the Emirates carries early significance.
For Arteta, the possibility of Timber returning, alongside the prospect of Guimaraes training before the match, provides timely selection options ahead of one of Arsenal’s sternest tests of the season so far.