All the latest on Jurrien Timber's knee injury as Arsenal confirm the Dutch international has ruptured his ACL
Arsenal summer signing Jurrien Timber sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Saturday's 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
Goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka secured the home side all three points in their Premier League opener but the game wasn't all positive. Versatile defender Timber, who has looked hugely impressive since joining in July, picked up an ACL injury, a huge blow to Mikel Arteta's men.
With that being said, football.london has rounded up everything we know about the 22-year-old's rehabilitation process below.
Arteta hint
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has seemingly hinted that the Dutchman will miss the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign with his latest comments on the injury.
Speaking about Timber on Thursday, Arteta said: "Huge blow. Especially for him after just joining the club. To have the injury he has is a huge blow.
"It is for the team because we recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident and he’s not going to be able to do it this season for us. We have to adapt. These things happen unfortunately and we have to move on."
Expected timeline
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is likely to be sidelined through injury for around seven months, according to CBS Sports.
The Gunners will be hoping that the versatile defender can return at some point during the 2023/24 campaign.
Silence broken
Jurrien Timber has taken to Instagram to give an update on himself following the news of his serious injury, saying: "Gutted to share my injury is more serious than expected, especially after the warm welcome I've received. I wanted to repay you on the pitch, which will not be possible for the forthcoming period. I'm blessed with a lot of great people around me, together we will do anything to get back as soon and strong as possible.
"For now I’ll be supporting our team from the stands of course. Thanks for making me feel at home in such a short period of time, see you at The Carpet."
Injury confirmed
Arsenal have confirmed that Jurrien Timber has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee following his substitution against Nottingham Forest. A 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."
Massive worry
Journalist James Benge has claimed that he would be "stunned" if Timber were to play again this season, reporting that the player could be out for a minimum of seven months.
Speaking on Charles Watts' YouTube channel, Benge said: "It's still early days, but last night I was hearing a minimum of 7 months [that he'll be out]... I'd be stunned if we see him again this season."
Club statement
The club have said: "Further to his substitution during our match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Jurrien has received extensive assessments and scans which have confirmed he has sustained an injury to his right knee. Jurrien will undergo a further detailed assessment and review with a consultant in the coming days to assess the full extent of the injury, in order to determine the next steps.
"A further update will be provided in due course. Everyone at the club will be focused on supporting Jurrien at this time."
Potential timeline
football.london spoke to Doctor of Physical Therapy Dr Rajpral Brar regarding the possible injury timelines of Timber's injury depending on what the outcome of the scans show.
Regarding the potential timeline of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, he said: "The recovery time for an ACL injury is more ambiguous. For Grade 3 ruptures where surgery is typically done, the return is seven to nine months.
"However, Grade 2 moderate tears can also be deemed significant enough for operation which then effectively becomes the same timeline as a true Grade 3. Grade 1 and lower-end Grade 2 tears can range from three to six months depending on the specifics and other associated damage (often times the meniscus and MCL)."
Scan wait
Timber went for scans on the injury on Monday and is continuing to be assessed, football.london understands.
Player message
Timber has now broken his silence following the injury scare with a message on Twitter. He wrote: "A win to begin, *tick emoji*".
Mikel Arteta update
Timber sustained an injury in the first half of the game against Forest before appearing for the second period.
But he was unable to continue, eventually pulling up shortly after the break before being substituted. Speaking after the full-time whistle, Arteta said. "The doctors looked at him and they were happy for him to continue, he was as well.
"Straight away in the first action of the second half he made a movement and it was a bit funny. We took him out straight after and now we have to assess him and see what he has."
Who replaces Timber in the starting XI? Make your selection below...