Jurrien Timber's Arsenal Comeback Ahead of Sunderland Clash

Mikel Arteta has revealed that Jurrien Timber is on the verge of a long-awaited Arsenal comeback, handing the champions a timely lift ahead of their trip to Sunderland.

Timber has not played a competitive minute for the club since the Champions League final last season, but the defender travelled with the squad for the 1-0 win away to Napoli in midweek and has now stepped up his work at London Colney.

“He’s been training with us for a few days. Let’s see,” Arteta said, as he weighed up whether to include the Netherlands international in his Premier League squad on Saturday evening. Arsenal have one more session before they travel north, and Timber is firmly in the conversation.

His return would strengthen a back line that has already started the season in ominous form. Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea made it three wins from three in their title defence, a perfect response to the pressure of being champions.

There was concern when Ben White was substituted in Italy, but the right back has been reported as fine, easing any immediate injury fears. That leaves William Saliba and potentially Cristhian Mosquera as the only likely absentees.

Mosquera, who missed the wins over Chelsea and Napoli with a knock, is progressing but remains a doubt. Arteta described the defender as doing “really well” yet hinted that the weekend might come too soon.

The prospect of Timber’s return sharpens Arsenal’s focus on a fixture that carries a clear warning from last season. Their last visit to the Stadium of Light ended in frustration, a 2-2 draw that snapped an 11-match winning run. Arsenal had overturned a deficit to lead, only for Brian Brobbey to snatch an injury-time equaliser and derail their momentum.

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.”

Arsenal arrive as defending champions, perfect so far, with a key defender close to returning and a painful reminder of what can happen if they switch off. Sunderland know they can bloody their nose. Arsenal know they cannot let it happen twice.