Jurrien Timber believes there have been many positives to his injury absence, despite his ultimate frustration at not being able to get on the pitch.

Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber signed for the club over the summer, making his first appearance in the Community Shield win over Manchester City and a second in the Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest.

But it didn’t last, with the defender suffering an ACL injury in that second game.

The 22-year-old underwent surgery, and he’s been out of action ever since, only recently returning to light training.

Despite hopes of a return to action before the end of the season, Timber still has a long way to go, having not yet rejoined full training with his team.

But whilst there are plenty of reasons to be gloomy about such a long absence, Timber said this week that he’s also trying to look on the bright side.

“Of course at some points it’s been difficult, because you’re not playing, and that’s the thing you love to do,” Timber admitted.

“But I use that as motivation during my recovery. I see the boys a lot, at the training ground but also at the games, and that’s been good for me too.

“These months will definitely make me stronger. It’s an opportunity for me to do well. So even though I’m not playing, I can take this moment to become stronger mentally, physically, and also to feel at home with this group of boys.

“It’s an opportunity I’ve taken with both hands. I’ve had some more time to watch the team, see how we play, how I can fit in when I get on the pitch, so looking at the positives, I think there have been many.”

Timber will be hoping that Arsenal remain in the Champions League knockout matches for long enough for him to play a part towards the end of the campaign, which would certainly give his new teammates a boost.