Arsenal raise hopes injured star will return soon after naming him in UCL squad

Jurrien Timber has been included in Arsenal's updated Champions League squad in a positive sign the £38million defender could soon return from huis knee injury.

The Netherlands international, 22, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee that required surgery during Arsenal's Premier League season opener against Nottingham Forest on August 12.

Timber was making just his second appearance for the Gunners after moving from Ajax last summer.

The centre-back stepped up his rehabilitation in the gym and on grass during Arsenal's mid-season training camp in Dubai last month.

Mail Sport reported early last month that Arsenal hope Timber will return to action in March.

His inclusion in the Arsenal squad for the Champions League knockout rounds provides a further hint Timber will return to Mikel Arteta's plans soon.

Arsenal take on Porto in the last-16, playing the first leg in Portugal on February 21 with the return game at the Emirates Stadium on March 12.

Timber's return to fitness will also provide a huge boost as Arsenal chase the Premier League title.

Their 3-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday cut the gap to the leaders to just two points, with Manchester City sandwiched between them. Arsenal's next game is away to West Ham on Sunday.

Other injured players Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira also make the Champions League squad list.

Youngster Lino Sousa was on the original list for the group stages but has since joined Aston Villa.

Last month, Arteta described Timber's injury on his Premier League debut as a significant setback.

'It was a huge blow. Everyone could see from day one what he was going to bring to the team,' he said.

'The versatility, the quality, the leadership. And an ability we did not have in the back line.'