Timber determined to 'grow as a person and player' during injury recovery

Jurrien Timber is determined to "grow as a player" and come back stronger from his latest injury setback.

Timber suffered a groin injury in April that ruled him out for the end of Arsenal's Premier League-winning season.

He did return for the Champions League final, which they lost to Paris Saint-Germain, coming on in the 66th minute.

He was then named in Netherlands' squad for the World Cup but had to withdraw as he could not recover in time for the start of their campaign.

Timber had enjoyed a strong campaign for the Gunners before his injury, playing 44 games and scoring four goals as well as providing six assists.

The right-back also topped the charts for tackles won (50) among Arsenal players in all competitions, with only Declan Rice (91) attempting more tackles overall.

And though he is disappointed to miss out on a major tournament for his country, Timber is confident he will return stronger for Arsenal in 2026-27.

"Unfortunately, it's part and parcel of football," he told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. "It's a risk you take when you play at the highest level.

"In my mind, I’m already thinking about what's to come. That's why I'm taking a break right now. I think it's good to step back for a while, rest and not have to do anything.

"But at the same time, I'm already looking forward to showing how good I am and taking the next step. To grow as a person, but also as a player.

"I'm actually really looking forward to that already. I just want to get well again as soon as possible, feel good and start playing football again."