Arsenal's forgotten star moves closer to action as Mikel Arteta details return plans

Mikel Arteta has backed a player who will have a “huge impact” on the Arsenal squad as he nears a return from injury.

The gunmen They have been very lucky with injuries this campaign as most of their key players have been available throughout this season, helping them launch a Premier League title challenge.

Despite this, Jurrien Timber has been a notable absence from the team's squad this season, after the summer signing suffered an ACL injury in Arsenal's opening day win over Nottingham Forest.

but manager arteta announced the Dutch defender, who arrived from Ajax before this season in a £40 million dealis about to return to the courts.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal next league match against Aston VillaThe Spaniard updates Timber's progress: “He still has some steps to take. He needs to play at least one game with the U23s. He will also have a home game soon.”

“He's done everything in training, now it's about getting match fit and having people around and starting to compete in matches, which is different to training.”

While it is still unclear whether the Dutchman will return in time to help his team in their quest for Premier League and Champions League glory, this news will no doubt be welcomed by his fans.

Much was promised when the highly-rated player first arrived at the Emirates, and Arteta revealed that fans can expect Timber to be a key figure for their team when he returns to the field.

When asked what the 22-year-old would bring to the team, the 42-year-old said in his press conference: “Hopefully a lot.

“From everything we see in training and the time he has been fit, I think he is going to have a big impact on the team.”

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The two-time Eredivisie winner has already impressed his new team, having put in an impressive performance in the Community Shield Final against city ​​of manchesterwhich saw the Gunners win on penalties after being tied 1-1 after 90 minutes.

While Timber's performance in the season opener was ultimately his last before the unfortunate encounter with Forest, his manager's words since his injury are further proof that Arsenal have high hopes for their time in the club.

Speaking in August about the young talent's move to the sidelines, Arteta said: “We recruited him with clear intentions, (now) we have to adapt.”

And earlier this month, the Arsenal boss praised the versatile defender: “Jurrien has a quality that no one else has in the defensive line to really achieve, especially in the attacking phases, things we do, in two or three positions.” .

Given his clear confidence in Timber's abilities, Arteta will no doubt be hopeful that the Netherlands international will return to the starting line-up before the end of this campaign.

The Gunners currently sit top of the first divisionleading Liverpool on goal difference in an exciting three-way title racein addition to aspiring to win the first Champions League crown.

And the reintroduction of Timber could prove to be a secret weapon as the season reaches a decisive stage.