Mikel Arteta reveals Jurrien Timber is back available for Arsenal after nine months out injured but refuses to confirm if the Gunners will sign David Raya permanently
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Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Jurrien Timber is ready for first-team selection after a nine-month absence as Arsenal have a fully fit squad for the first time this season.
Timber has been out of action since suffering a cruciate ligament injury on the opening day of the season against Nottingham Forest.
Ahead of Arsenal’s match against Bournemouth on Saturday, Arteta said: ‘Yes, everyone is fit and available. So now it’s a headache to make the right selection.’
The Dutch international played 45 minutes against Blackburn Under-21s last Monday and capped his return with a long-range strike. This was followed on Sunday by a 70-minute match against Liverpool Under-21s.
Timber’s return comes in time for him to play a part in the Gunners’ bid to secure a first Premier League title in two decades. The Gunners sit top of the table, with Manchester City one point behind, even though Man City still have a game in hand.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Jurrien Timber is available for first-team action following an injury
Arteta is happy that Timber is back as Arsenal’s challenger for the Premier League title
On whether Arsenal will make David Raya’s loan deal permanent at the end of the season, Arteta added: ‘These discussions are for after the season. We’ll see where we stand.
‘Obviously we are very happy with David and everything he has brought to the club and the team, there is no doubt about that. But those decisions are made by all of us at the club and we will see.”
Arteta says Arsenal are happy with David Raya but has not confirmed he will sign permanently
