Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is not rushing himself back from injury, even to achieve his dream of playing for the Netherlands at a major tournament.
That’s according to his brother Quinten Timber, who says they’ve both had the dream of featuring for their nation since they were children.
Timber joined Arsenal in a €40m deal from Ajax last summer in a move that was seen as a major coup for the Gunners given the reputation the 22-year-old had built for himself with the Dutch giants.
He was likely to be a key player for Mikel Arteta this season but only managed one appearance in the Premier League, as well as in the Community Shield, before those dreams were brought crashing down.
A cruciate ligament tear suffered on the opening day of the season means that he’s already spent 161 days on the treatment table and missed 29 Arsenal games so far this season.
He’s expected to return to training from that injury lay off later this month and reports have indicated it will be full steam ahead in the hope of getting fit before Euro 2024 this summer.
The Arsenal player is likely to be a part of Ronald Koeman’s group if he is fully fit, but his brother insists there will be no risks taken, even in the pursuit of childhood dreams.
“Ultimately I have to make sure that the national coach cannot ignore me,” he said.
“From an early age, Jurrien and I have dreamed of being in the Dutch national team together. It would be great if that ever happens. That’s a great goal.
“The most important thing is that he comes back well. There is no point in looking very far ahead.”
