Jurrien Timber is still waiting to be cleared to join up with the Arsenal squad, suggesting he won’t be available in time for Thursday’s friendly against FC Nurnberg.

Ajax's Jurrien Timber of Ajax celebrates after scoring a goal during the Dutch premier league football match between Ajax Amsterdam and RKC Waalwijk at the Johan-Cruijff ArenA on February 12, 2023. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Ajax’s Jurrien Timber of Ajax celebrates after scoring a goal during the Dutch premier league football match between Ajax Amsterdam and RKC Waalwijk at the Johan-Cruijff ArenA on February 12, 2023. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Football insider Team News and Ticks reports that as of Wednesday morning, Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is still waiting for the all-clear from Arsenal to join up with Mikel Arteta’s squad.

The same source reports that Arsenal initially planned to give Timber minutes in Thursday’s friendly against FC Nurnberg, but those plans are in jeopardy if the player doesn’t train with the squad today.

As it stands, it looks like the move won’t be done in time for Timber to take part in that session.

Netherlands' defender Jurrien Timber attends a press conference at Qatar University training sites in Doha on December 6, 2022 during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)
Netherlands’ defender Jurrien Timber attends a press conference at Qatar University training sites in Doha on December 6, 2022, during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

On Tuesday, sources appeared to be hopeful of Timber featuring in the midweek friendly.

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Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports reported that Arsenal were hoping to have the move sorted in time for him to be part of the squad, and the Arsenal Informer claimed the official announcement of the move was expected within 24 hours.

Time is now running out on that deadline.

Timber has already seemingly said his goodbyes back in the Netherlands, with his family holding him a farewell party last week. But Arsenal never announce these deals before all the details are completely sorted.

Netherlands' defender Jurrien Timber (L) blocks Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi during the Qatar 2022 World Cup quarter-final football match between The Netherlands and Argentina at Lusail Stadium, north of Doha on December 9, 2022. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)
Netherlands’ defender Jurrien Timber (L) blocks Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi during the Qatar 2022 World Cup quarter-final football match between The Netherlands and Argentina at Lusail Stadium, north of Doha on December 9, 2022. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Timber has signed a deal with Arsenal lasting until 2028, joining for a fee of €40m (£34.3m) plus €5m (£4.3m) in bonuses described as “largely realistic”.

The 22-year-old made 47 appearances for Ajax in the 2022/23 campaign, and he’s also a Dutch international, playing 15 times for the national team.

He’ll still have plenty of time to feature in pre-season with Arsenal after Thursday, with the Gunners starting their tour of the USA this weekend.

Arsenal’s Pre-Season Fixtures and Results

Marquinhos after scoring against Watford in pre-season (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Marquinhos after scoring against Watford in pre-season (Photo via Arsenal.com)
  1. Saturday, July 8th – Arsenal 1-1 Watford (Behind closed doors)
  2. Thursday, July 13th, 18:00 – FC Nurnberg vs Arsenal
  3. Thursday, July 20th, 01:30 – MLS All-Stars vs Arsenal
  4. Saturday, July 22nd, 22:00 – Arsenal vs Manchester United
  5. Thursday, July 27th, 03:30 – Arsenal vs Barcelona
  6. Wednesday, August 2nd, 18:00 – Arsenal vs Monaco
  7. Sunday, August 6th, 16:00 – Arsenal vs Manchester City

Times in BST

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