Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Wednesday that Jurriën Timber will miss the final match of the season. Speaking ahead of the season finale against Southampton, the Spaniard was full of praise for the Dutch international, who underwent surgery on Tuesday.
Arsenal have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their final game of the season, as manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Jurriën Timber will miss Sunday’s Premier League clash against Southampton, scheduled for May 25 at 17:00.
The Dutch defender underwent ankle surgery earlier this week and is expected to be out of action for several weeks. The news is a major disappointment for both Arsenal and Timber, who had worked his way back into the team after a long and difficult recovery from a serious knee injury.
Timber’s journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable. After suffering a torn ACL on the opening day of the previous campaign, he spent nearly a year sidelined, fighting through rehabilitation to regain full fitness. When he finally returned to the pitch, his impact was immediate. He re-established himself as a reliable and intelligent presence in Arsenal’s defensive setup, offering both composure on the ball and tactical awareness off it. His performances earned praise from fans, pundits, and the coaching staff, and he quickly became a regular in the starting eleven.
Earlier this month, Timber played a key role in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain, delivering a composed and disciplined performance in one of the most high-stakes matches of the season. However, shortly after that, he began to experience physical discomfort and was ruled out of Arsenal’s next league fixture against Newcastle United. He also remained on the bench during the previous game against Liverpool. The situation escalated quickly, and by Tuesday he was on the operating table to address a problem in his ankle.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta confirmed the operation and was full of praise for the young defender. “Jurriën underwent ankle surgery on Tuesday and will be out for a few weeks,” said the Spaniard. “We must not forget that he was out for almost an entire season. The fact that Jurriën has performed so well this season, after such a serious knee injury, is truly incredible. We didn’t just sign a player, we signed a leader. A very, very special player.”
Timber’s leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed. Even in his absence, he remained a vocal figure within the squad, supporting his teammates and demonstrating a maturity beyond his years. Arteta has repeatedly highlighted not just Timber’s technical and athletic ability, but also his mentality and professionalism, which have made him one of the most respected figures in the dressing room.
With Arsenal still pushing to finish the season strongly, Timber’s absence will be keenly felt. His ability to slot into multiple positions across the back line made him a valuable tactical asset, and his recent form suggested that he was reaching his best level just in time for the season's final stretch. Now, the focus will shift to his recovery once again, with the hope that he can return fully fit for the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
Meanwhile, questions remain over Timber’s availability for international duty. The Netherlands are preparing to begin their World Cup qualifying campaign next month, and Timber had been expected to feature prominently in Ronald Koeman’s plans. The Dutch national team opens their qualifying run on Friday, June 7 at 20:45 with an away match against Finland, followed by a home match against Malta on Tuesday, June 10, also at 20:45. With just over two weeks to go until the first match, it is uncertain whether Timber will recover in time to be included in the squad.
Koeman will have to assess Timber’s situation carefully before making his final call. Losing a player of Timber’s quality would be a setback for the Dutch side, especially given his recent form and the versatility he brings to the defensive line. For now, both club and country are waiting to see how his recovery progresses. Arsenal will hope that his latest injury proves to be a minor setback rather than the beginning of another long spell on the sidelines.
