Jurriën Timber proving to be answer to Arsenal’s left-back problem
Dutchman has returned from long layoff to improve Mikel Arteta’s side and full-back spot is now his to lose
By Ben McAleer for WhoScored
Jurriën Timber is making up for lost time. The Dutchman joined Arsenal from Ajax last summer to swell the defensive ranks, the initial plan being that he would play at right-back. Ben White needed competition and cover, while Oleksandr Zinchenko was deemed first choice on the opposite flank. It was a surprise for many when Timber started against Nottingham Forest in the opening game of last season at left-back.
Disaster struck in the 2-1 win as Timber sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee, requiring surgery. Supporters didn’t see him in action again until the 2-1 win over Everton on the final day of the season as Arsenal managed his return. Timber played only the final 20 minutes of last month’s opening weekend win over Wolves but has since started every league match and last Sunday got the full 90 in an Arsenal shirt for the first time in the north London derby triumph.
