Advertisement
Arsenal star given modified Netherlands training programme after injury
23rd September, 2026 06:56 PM
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has been placed on an individual training programme by the Netherlands as he continues to manage the effects of a recent injury.
Timber was absent when the Dutch squad trained on Tuesday after joining the national team for the September-October international break.
According to Dutch publication Voetbal International, the Arsenal defender is currently working separately from his teammates as he continues his recovery.
The report states that the Netherlands have been working with Arsenal to ensure Timber follows a modified schedule while on international duty. The Dutch national team has also been advised to exercise caution with the 25-year-old.
The situation is unlikely to cause major concern at Arsenal, with no indication that Timber has picked up another injury.
Timber’s injury setbacks
The defender only recently returned to competitive action and has been carefully managed by Mikel Arteta’s side. He has so far featured for 45 minutes against Sunderland and 60 minutes against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this season.
Arsenal also opted not to risk him in their League Cup meeting with Ipswich Town, with Timber left out of the matchday squad altogether.
His limited workload suggests Arsenal are taking a cautious approach to his return, particularly after his previous injury problems.
The Netherlands face a demanding international schedule, with four Nations League matches lined up during the break. Their opening fixture is against Germany, which is arguably the standout game of the programme.
Whether Timber is involved in that match remains uncertain, although the decision to manage his training workload indicates that the Dutch are also keen to avoid rushing him back.
Earlier in the season, Arsenal stepped up their efforts to sign defensive cover for William Saliba after Mikel Arteta revealed that Jurriën Timber was still “weeks away” from returning to competitive action.
Saliba is set to be sidelined for an extended period after breaking down during the World Cup with a back injury that has been affecting him since last season.
For Arsenal, the priority will be ensuring Timber returns from international duty without suffering another setback as he continues to build up his fitness.
