Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is confident he has moved on from last season’s injury nightmare.
The Dutchman suffered an ACL injury on his Premier League debut for the Gunners last season and missed almost the entirety of his first campaign with the club.
A foot problem impacted some of his pre-season preparations, while Timber was also forced off during the closing stages of Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton before the international break.
Mikel Arteta quickly played down any serious concerns and Timber has provided an update on his fitness more generally, having made three appearances at club level this season.
The 23-year-old has been called up to the Netherlands squad for their UEFA Nations League games against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany and believes the ACL issue is no longer playing on his mind.
“Sometimes it still feels a bit stiff after a match or training, but in my head it doesn’t play a role at all anymore,” he told De Telegraaf.
“When I went out for the first time, I immediately threw tackles again. Without any fear. You can’t just participate halfway, because then things go wrong.”
Timber will hope to be available for Arsenal’s trip to arch rivals Tottenham after the break.
Arteta has already been dealt a significant blow before the north London derby, with Mikel Merino facing an extended period out of action due to a fractured shoulder.
Declan Rice will also miss the game following his controversial red card against Brighton on Saturday.
