Are you nervous about the wait for Tottenham? Arsenal’s £38.5 million acquisition expects to make his North London Derby debut.
Tottenham Hotspur are ready to meet Arsenal in a highly anticipated North London Derby this weekend, with Gunners full-back Jurrien Timber looking to return to first-team play after a long layoff.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says that the North London derby may be too soon for Timber, but he is confident that the Dutchman will play for the North London Reds this season.
Timber has been sidelined since early August after suffering a major knee injury in the season’s first Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal bought Timber from Dutch club Ajax for £38.5 million, but the Gunners were unable to use him due to an unlucky injury. He is about to return to Arsenal after eight months, and it may be the much-needed lift for a tired squad.
His return to fitness might mean the difference between Arsenal winning the Premier League title and going deep into the race. In his pre-match press conference for Arsenal’s game against Chelsea, Mikel Arteta mentioned the prospect of watching Timber in the NLD. The Arsenal manager stated (via The Standard):
“That is a quick step!”
“Let’s see how he’s feeling today. He has done an excellent job of training and appears to be ready. He needs that exposure, and then we’ll decide if the game comes at the appropriate time or too soon. We will strive to have him join us for the last games.”
Timber returned to action after scoring a goal for Arsenal U-21s today. Tottenham will be hoping that Sunday is one game too early for Timber.
Leave a Comment