Overview
- Reports on Wednesday said Timber had minor groin surgery weeks ago as treatment for a longstanding groin problem.
- The Netherlands withdrew him from their World Cup squad, saying he had not recovered sufficiently to take part in a medically responsible manner.
- Timber travelled with Arsenal to the Girona training camp but has been limited to individual gym and rehab work and did not feature in behind-closed-doors friendlies.
- The BBC reports his temporary return to London is part of a planned rehab phase and Arsenal have not yet cleared him for group sessions or the first pre-season game against Girona.
- With William Saliba also expected to be unavailable at the start of the season, manager Mikel Arteta is closely monitoring Timber as Arsenal prepare for the Community Shield on August 16 and the Premier League opener on August 21.