Arsenal are hoping Jurrien Timber can recover from a groin injury before the season ends, with an expert suggesting the defender could be available for the final weeks of the campaign.
Timber's Absence
Timber's last appearance for the Gunners was in the 2-0 victory over Everton in mid-March. What was initially thought to be a minor issue has ruled him out of the last 11 games. He was left out of the squad again as Arsenal booked their place in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.
Arsenal are also back in control of the Premier League title race after Manchester City's slip-up against Everton. Their fate is in their own hands ahead of their final three games against West Ham United, Burnley and Crystal Palace. But it remains to be seen what role Timber will have as a draining campaign reaches its conclusion.
Arteta's Uncertainty
Arsenal have not disclosed specific details over his injury, with Arteta admitting at the end of April he is unsure when the 24-year-old will be available again. 'We don't know yet,' Arteta said in his last update on the Dutchman. 'He is doing some stuff on the pitch at the moment. But we need to get the gears up and be able to do more things before he can compete with us.'
Timber was spotted celebrating with his teammates after Wednesday's semi-final triumph but there has been no real indication when he will be available again.
Impact on Team
Arsenal have greatly missed Timber's presence down the right, with his understanding with Bukayo Saka one of Europe's most effective combinations. Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White have taken turns deputising, but Arteta will be desperate to have his first-choice right-back available again.
Expert Analysis
Stephen Smith, CEO and founder of Kitman Labs, which specialises in injury welfare and performance analytics, explains Timber has possibly been dealing with a grade 2 groin injury, an issue that can rule a player out for between three and eight weeks depending on its severity. In that scenario, Timber could be available for the final weeks of the season where the Gunners will hope to be closing in on the title.
'Beyond six weeks in [to his rehabilitation period] would mean we are beyond the grade one stage,' Smith told Metro. 'Grade one stage is usually just a small number of fibres that have been torn or overstretched. Generally, that is one to three weeks. If it is a grade 2 then we are talking about a more significant injury, maybe a partial tear of the muscle or the tendon itself.'
'Generally, you are looking at a three to eight week window for that. If it is a grade 3, it is much more significant and closer to a rupture. Then you are talking two to three months.'
'He is still in that three to eight week window right now, which suggests it could be a grade 2. So there is potential light there in terms of how his rehab is progressing and potential light in seeing him involved soon before the end of the season.'
Arsenal return to action away to West Ham United on Sunday.
