Jurrien Timber returned to the pitch for the Netherlands away to Serbia on Sunday, helping them to grind out their first win of the new Nations League group stage.
Arsenal right-back Jurrien Timber was back in action for the Netherlands on Sunday, returning to the squad and to the pitch as his team played away to Serbia in the Nations League.
Having drawn their opening game away to Germany without Timber’s assistance, the Netherlands were looking to pick up their first three points away to Serbia.
Timber was initially named on the bench, but he entered the fray for the final 10 minutes with his side 2-1 up. Making one interception and creating one chance in his brief cameo, the Arsenal man helped them see out the victory to go second in the group.
For Arsenal fans, what is more important than the performance or the result is that Timber was fit to feature and didn’t suffer a setback.
As mentioned, Timber had been left out against Germany, having also missed training sessions in the build-up to that game.
Dutch outlet Voetbal International reported that Timber is currently following an individual programme, due to the after-effects of his recent injury. In consultation with Arsenal, Timber will be following a modified schedule whilst on international duty.
Netherlands boss Xavi had admitted: “We have to be a bit careful with Jurrien Timber, who was injured for a long time. But he is available.”
With Xavi confirming Timber’s availability, only for the player to miss the Germany game, there was obviously some concern.
But the 25-year-old’s increasing involvement as the break goes on is hopefully indicative of the fact that everything is going according to plan.
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