ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta revealed injured star Jurrien Timber is “flying” as he works his way back to full fitness…
But Arteta also admitted that is not enough to bring Timber back in the near future as he will still be out for a “long time”.
The versatile defender joined the Gunners last summer after a £38million deal with Ajax but picked up a knee injury on his very first Premier League match against Nottingham Forest in August.
Initial reports suggested the Netherlands international could be out for the rest of the season.
Arteta, though, raised fans’ hopes of a swifter comeback as he insists the 22-year-old is making “immense “incredible” progress during his gruelling road to recovery.
However, the Spanish tactician is still not expecting Timber back in his backline any time soon.
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Arteta said: “Timber is doing very well. He’s flying to be fair, the stage he is right now.
“The way he works every single day is incredibly satisfying to watch but unfortunately we’re going to miss him still for a long time.
“I think he’s in a really good place.”
Arteta had big plans for Timber and hoped he would prove to be a major catalyst in Arsenal’s bid to win their first Premier League title in 20 years.
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That is because the Dutch star can cover every single position in defence.
However, Timber’s absence hasn’t really affected the North Londoners’ defensive prowess.
That is because Arsenal have the joint best defence in the league with Liverpool having conceded only 15 goals in 16 Prem matches.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
