Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that defender Jurrien Timber is doing everything in his power to return to fitness before the end of the 2025-26 Premier League season, as the Gunners grapple with a mounting injury crisis at the back. Arteta addressed the media on Thursday, 14 May, offering a cautiously optimistic assessment of the Dutch international's progress.

Timber's Recovery Progress

Timber has been absent since March, when he was forced off before half-time during Arsenal's win over Everton. The right-back has remained closely integrated with the squad despite being unavailable for selection, and Arteta confirmed the defender's attitude has been exemplary throughout his rehabilitation.

'He's feeling better and improving little by little. We are trying to get him available as quickly as we can, but we still have to see how things develop,' Arteta told reporters.

The Arsenal head coach also underscored Timber's importance to the squad beyond matchdays. 'He's an extremely important player for us,' Arteta said. 'Everyone knows the quality and leadership he brings to the team, and he's doing absolutely everything possible to help.'

Arsenal's Deepening Defensive Concerns

Timber's absence is one part of a wider defensive headache for Arsenal. Ben White has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a knee ligament injury, further thinning Arteta's options at right-back. The blow compounds an already stretched backline heading into the season's decisive weeks.

Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori was substituted at half-time during Arsenal's recent victory over West Ham, raising fresh concerns. Arteta admitted it remains unclear whether the Italian will be fit in time for the upcoming match against Burnley, though initial indications suggest the issue may not be severe.

Mosquera Eyed as Defensive Cover

With options at the back running thin, Arteta hinted that Cristhian Mosquera could be considered as a potential alternative. The manager also stressed the importance of tactical flexibility as Arsenal navigate the final stretch of a gruelling campaign.

Notably, this is the third significant defensive setback Arsenal have absorbed since the turn of the year, placing enormous pressure on the club's depth and squad management.

Title Race and Champions League Final

Arsenal remain locked in a neck-and-neck battle with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, with the title race going down to the wire. The Gunners are simultaneously preparing for the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), scheduled for 30 May in Budapest.

How quickly Timber and Calafiori return to full fitness could prove decisive in both pursuits. Arsenal's ability to manage their defensive resources over the coming weeks will be among the most closely watched storylines in European football.