Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber on individual training plan with Netherlands

Jurrien Timber has been placed on an individual training programme with the Netherlands as Arsenal manage the defender’s return from injury. The full-back did not take part in group sessions during the international break, with club and Oranje staff agreeing a modified workload intended to protect his fitness after a long absence.

What changed for Arsenal

Timber had only recently resumed first-team involvement before joining the Netherlands squad. He was absent for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup trip to Ipswich Town, then played 60 minutes against Brighton last weekend.

Arsenal are working directly with new Netherlands head coach Xavi on a tailored plan for the defender. The arrangement points towards Timber being kept out of the Netherlands’ forthcoming match against Germany rather than being pushed back into competitive action too quickly.

The issue adds to a difficult defensive picture for Mikel Arteta following the international break.

• Ben White sustained a knock before the break.
• Declan Rice, who filled in at right-back against Brighton, has withdrawn from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
• Cristian Mosquera is out with a knee injury.
• William Saliba is managing a back problem.
• New arrival Ezri Konsa has so far been used solely as a centre-back.

Competition context

Timber’s current management follows the injury he suffered during the closing stages of Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning season. He was able to return to the substitutes’ bench for the Champions League final, but was not sufficiently recovered to play at the World Cup.

That background explains the cautious approach from both Arsenal and the Netherlands. With several defenders carrying injuries or fitness concerns, Arsenal have little reason to expose Timber to extra international minutes while his conditioning continues to build.

What is scheduled next

The Netherlands are due to face Germany, but Timber is expected to remain on his individual programme rather than be selected for the match. His availability for Arsenal after the international window will depend on how he responds to the planned workload.

Arteta’s immediate decision will be whether Timber can return to the squad without aggravating his recovery, particularly given the shortages around the right side of defence and at centre-back. Arsenal will also monitor White, Saliba, Mosquera and Rice before determining their defensive options for the next phase of fixtures.