Jurrien Timber will likely be a vital player for Arsenal in the 2024/25 season and if not for his serious ACL injury, he would likely have been so last season.
The Dutchman is now back in action for Mikel Arteta’s side, starting two matches after coming off the bench in the first game of the season against Wolves.
It clearly suggests that Timber is past his injury troubles and in an interview with AD in the Netherlands, the defender spoke about how the process has been and how things are now.
He told the outlet, while pointing to the scar on his right knee: “Looks good, doesn’t it? I think it’s quite a nice scar. They’ve covered it up nicely.”
The defender revealed that he didn’t back away from making tackles right after recovery.
“Things are going really well in the upper room (head). When I was allowed to go outside, I immediately started making tackles.”
He said that he doesn’t know anything different apart from giving his all, so it was really the only option for him: “That may not have been very smart, but once on the pitch I give it my all. I don’t know any different.”
While now fully recovered, Timber did admit that he is prone to cramps because he’s getting accustomed to playing in the Premier League on a regular basis.
“My body still has to get used to the intensity of the Premier League. That’s logical. This was only my fourth match, and after a serious injury. I have to accept that. Fortunately, there are more matches coming up now.”
Timber went on to express gratitude to Arsenal for playing a role in his recovery, saying:
“I consciously stayed with the club to work hard on my recovery. The physiotherapists are very good and I really feel at home there.”
ACL injuries bring about the issue of players facing muscle injuries even when the knee is recovered, so Arsenal will have to be cautious about how he gets back in the fray, especially since games will soon come thick and fast.
After all, Timber’s versatility and footballing intelligence can prove to be important for the Gunners and he could well turn out to be the player who sets the tone for the club’s tactical approach.
