Jurrien Timber facing months out injured for Arsenal after ACL fears confirmed
Arsenal have confirmed defender Jurrien Timber will require surgery after suffering an ACL injury in their Premier League opener.
"Further to detailed assessments with consultant specialists since Saturday, we can confirm that Jurrien Timber has sustained an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee," a club statement reads. "Jurrien will undergo surgery in the coming days and will be out of action for a period of time.
"The support and expertise from our medical team and everyone at the club will now be focussed on Jurrien’s rehabilitation programme, to ensure he recovers well and is back playing as soon as possible.," the statement continued. No return date has been set at this stage.
Timber was making his first Premier League appearance for the Gunners against Nottingham Forest. He went down injured during the first half but returned for the second period before leaving the field in the 50th minute.
It's another big blow for Arsenal, who were already without striker Gabriel Jesus. The Brazil international suffered a knee issue during pre-season, requiring a 'small' procedure, and is not close to making an immediate return.
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It remains to be seen how Timber's absence will impact Arsenal's transfer policy between now and the end of the window. Left-back Kieran Tierney had been attracting interest from the likes of Newcastle and Real Sociedad, but manager Mikel Arteta may now be tempted to keep the Scottish international around as cover.
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Despite losing Timber to injury, Arsenal were able to hold on for victory against Forest. Goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka gave them a 2-0 lead at the break, with Taiwo Awoniyi's effort for the visitors proving too little, too late.
In his post-match press conference, Arteta played down suggestions he should have withdrawn Timber sooner. "No, the officials, the doctors, they looked at him and they were happy to continue, him as well, but straight away in the second half the first action he made a movement and it was a bit funny so we took him straight out and now we have to assess him to see what he has," he said.
As well as Timber's bow, the match also provided a first Premier League outing in Arsenal colours for Kai Havertz and Declan Rice. Club record signing Rice made a big impact, with Arteta hailing the England international's role within the squad.
"He’s very natural," Arteta said. "As you’ve seen today, I don’t know if it was after two minutes or 10, the way he’s moving, the way he’s coaching, the way he has integrated into that dressing room, I think he’s enjoying the position as well.
"He probably should have scored two goals today, so more of the same. He’s not thinking, he’s just acting and I’m really pleased with what he’s done."
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