Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided updates on the long-term injuries to Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber.
Arteta acknowledged that Timber may potentially recover from his ACL injury before the conclusion of the season.
The Dutch international, who joined Ajax during the summer, garnered numerous accolades for his impressive performances in preseason.
However, he has been sidelined since sustaining a knee injury in Arsenal’s opening Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.
Regarding Partey, Arteta hinted that the midfielder could be poised to make his return to action in the upcoming match against Newcastle on Saturday evening. Partey has been limited to just four appearances in the Premier League this season due to various injury setbacks.
Talking during his press conference, Arteta said [via football.london]: “Will Timber be able to return before the end of the season? I really hope so. He’s doing really well. He’s been with some players on the pitch. He’s going to start to do some bits with us on the pitch in the next week or so. Then we’ll have to see how he’s doing, his confidence level, and his fitness level. Hopefully, the answer will be yes.
“Will Partey return this week? Let’s see. We have another session today. He’s been out for many, many months now. We need to really nail the timing of when he has enough in the tank to compete. But I think he’s very close.”
Timber has been steadily progressing and took his initial steps back onto the field during the mid-season training camp in Dubai.
Since then, the 22-year-old has intensified his rehabilitation efforts. Meanwhile, Partey’s absence has unfortunately become a recurring theme for the Gunners.
However, with the additions of Declan Rice and Jorginho over the past 18 months, Partey’s significance within the squad has diminished.
As Arsenal continues their pursuit of the title, they will face Newcastle United on Saturday, February 24. Eager to rebound from their recent Champions League defeat to Porto, the team will aim to start strong and regain momentum.