Arsenal fans are expected to continue waiting. Julian Timber has a long way to go before he returns.
Timber joined Arsenal ahead of this season. After performing well at Ajax in the Netherlands, he came to London in July last year for a transfer fee of 40 million euros (57 billion won). Thanks to his multi-talented ability to play not only as a centre-back but also as a full-back, Arsenal expected a solid backdoor. Timber made his debut as a starting full-back in the Community Shield against Manchester City in August last year.
However, the opening match was not the last time we saw him in the Premier League (PL). It was expected that he would be out for a long time due to a cruciate ligament injury suffered in the opening match against Nottingham Forest. It was predicted that his return would take around 7 to 9 months. In the end, over six months, he played only two games and played 126 minutes.
Contrary to expectations, Timber's return seemed to be coming sooner. On the 11th (Korean time), Arsenal released photos of the Arsenal first team training camp in Dubai and said, "Timber has started training again." Fans' expectations also increased.
Even though Timber has started training again, it will be until March before he can compete. Britain's 'Football London' reported on the 12th, "Despite photos of Timber training on the grass through the Dubai training camp, his earliest return is expected to be in March." He said that he needs more time to be put into practice right away.
Coach Arteta also expressed regret. According to the media, he said, "Unfortunately, it is a very long-term injury," ahead of the 2023-24 English FA Cup round of 64 match against Liverpool held on the 8th. Additionally, "Timber is recovering really well, but he is still not fit enough to train or compete with the team, so we don't expect him to return anytime soon."
Arsenal has been on a three-game losing streak recently. They suffered two consecutive losses to West Ham United and Fulham in the PL, and lost 0-2 against Liverpool in the FA Cup, sending them packing early. They conceded 2 runs in all 3 games, exposing their insecurities in defense.
It is significant that starting left fullback Oleksandr Zinchenko is missing due to injury. Jakub Kivio stepped up to replace him, but he was left far behind. Arsenal will continue to regret Timber's injury.
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