Jurrien Timber in Arsenal’s travelling squad for Napoli recreation after lacking begin of season

Jurrien Timber is a part of the Arsenal squad travelling to Italy for his or her opening Champions League fixture towards Napoli.

The right-back, 25, has been recovering from an ongoing groin concern since March, which dominated him out of the Netherlands World Cup squad regardless of beginning Arsenal’s Champions League closing defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in May.

Timber returned to mild coaching classes firstly of Arsenal’s pre-season in July, however has been eased again to working with the broader group within the weeks since.

“(Jurrien) is in really good condition,” Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta stated earlier than Sunday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea. “He’s been on the pitch for a few weeks and training with us, so he’s in a good place.”

Marli Salmon, 17, has additionally been included within the travelling group with fellow defender Cristhian Mosquera staying in England. Mosquera was taken off as a precaution in Arsenal’s 1-0 win away to Aston Villa on August 31, and missed the win towards Chelsea.

Salmon made 4 first-team appearances final time period and impressed in pre-season, however new signing Ezri Konsa will seemingly maintain his place within the backline after a robust full debut towards Chelsea.

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Timber return key for Arteta

Timber’s return comes on the good time for Arsenal.

This is their first week of the season with a midweek recreation, and whereas Ben White has excelled firstly of this season, having the chance to relaxation him if wanted could also be essential.

Arteta has been considerably unlucky that regardless of having two elite choices at right-back, the pair have hardly ever been totally match on the identical time. In a really perfect state of affairs, the Arsenal supervisor might have most well-liked to make use of one over the opposite relying on an opponent’s strengths and weaknesses however he has usually needed to choose whoever has been out there at any given time.

This was White within the 2023-24 season, when Timber suffered an anterior cruciate ligament damage. The previous two full seasons have seen the Dutchman function extra frequently, with White present process knee surgical procedure in 2024-25 and struggling setbacks after heavy utilization when getting back from earlier accidents final season.

Salmon’s involvement within the matchday squad can be useful for his improvement. He impressed in pre-season and signed knowledgeable contract with Arsenal on his seventeenth birthday in August, however a visit to Napoli can be like nothing he has skilled earlier than — even when he doesn’t get on the pitch.