Timber Set for Arsenal Return as Champions Face Sunderland Test
Mikel Arteta is on the brink of welcoming Jurrien Timber back into the Arsenal fold, with the defender close to making his first appearance of the season as the champions head to Sunderland.
Timber has not played for the Gunners since last season’s Champions League final, but his presence is starting to loom large again. The Dutchman travelled with the squad for the 1-0 win at Napoli in midweek and has stayed with the group, stepping up his work at London Colney.
The 23-year-old has been training with the first team this week and is in contention to be involved at the Stadium of Light on Saturday evening, a timely boost as Arsenal look to extend their perfect start to their Premier League title defence.
“Let’s see,” Arteta said when asked about Timber’s chances. “We have another training session today. He’s been training with us for a few days. Let’s see.”
While Timber edges closer, there is less certainty over Cristhian Mosquera. The defender missed Arsenal’s wins over Chelsea and Napoli after taking a knock and, despite encouraging signs, Arteta admitted he might not make it in time for the weekend.
The Arsenal manager described Mosquera as doing “really well”, but indicated the medical staff may still rule him out of the Sunderland trip.
The champions’ injury picture is easing elsewhere. Ben White, who was substituted during the win in Italy, has been reported as fine, leaving William Saliba and potentially Mosquera as the only likely absentees.
Arsenal arrive in the North East with momentum and a warning ringing in their ears. Their 2-1 victory over Chelsea means Arteta’s side have opened their title defence with three wins from three, but their last visit to Sunderland still stings.
In November, Sunderland snapped Arsenal’s 11-match winning streak with a dramatic 2-2 draw, a chaotic finish in which Brian Brobbey struck an injury-time equaliser after the visitors had come from behind to lead. Two points slipped away in the final seconds. Arteta has not forgotten.
“Last year we dropped points there and in the last minute,” he said. “We experienced and learned a lot from that game.
“Tomorrow we will discuss many things we want to be aware of and where we want to take the game and how to nullify their strengths.”
The lesson is clear. Arsenal may be champions, unbeaten, and on a roll, but the Stadium of Light has already proved it can flick the switch on their momentum. Timber’s return would stiffen their options. The real question is whether the team have learned enough to make sure this trip ends very differently from the last.
