“I have to be very smart” – Head ruling heart for Arsenal star over comeback

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has admitted he is having to listen to his head over his heart when it comes to playing time.

The full-back has endured a slow start to the season as he continues to build his fitness following a groin injury suffered in June.

That saw him spend 103 days out of action, missing 11 games for club and country until his return last month. It was also his second major injury this year. An ankle injury kept him out for 52 days and 12 games between March and May.

Injury concerns

It means he’s managed just 105 minutes in the Premier League for Arsenal so far. And he’s spent this international break taking it easy with the Netherlands as well.

Indeed, at the start of the break he was even put on his own special training regime by Xavi and his team, which had him as the only player sitting outside of the bigger group sessions.

He’s since played 10 minutes in the win over Serbia and78 in the 2-2 draw with Greece but admitted he was feeling the effects after his long lay off.

Now he says he’s having to take thing cautiously, on the advice of the physios, despite a desire for more.

“I have to be very smart about the steps we take. Otherwise, I’ll suffer a setback, and I don’t want that,” he said.

“I want to play every game and take part in every training session. But the physios advise me on what’s best for me. So, I need to listen to them carefully.”

History impacts present

Whether he and Arsenal do listen, remains to be see. They would be wise to do so given his injury history since 2023 is eye opening to say the least.

In the 2023/24 season he missed 53 games and 253 days with one injury. The following year it was 10 games and 48 days with five injuries. Last season it was 24 games and 160 days with three injuries.

Now last season’s injuries are now hampering him this year. And it seems the physios are having to get tough to ensure there’s no relapses.