Keep up-to-date with Arsenal injury news from across all teams at the club.
Jurrien Timber finally set to make Arsenal comeback
Jurrien Timber is set to make his comeback after the international break, though it’s not yet certain if he’ll be involved against Manchester City.
Kaya Kaynak of Football.London reports that barring any setbacks, Jurrien Timber is set to return for Arsenal after the international break.
Kaynak adds that it’s not yet clear whether Timber will be involved against Manchester City, but he’s set to be involved in the business end of the season if things continue to go well.
Arsenal have been managing the player’s reintegration carefully, holding him back from any sessions that might put too much stress on his knee. But in other sessions, he’s fully involved with the group.
This is consistent with the reports from late last month, which revealed that Timber was close to a return to full training, but not quite there yet.
Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail wrote at the time that Timber was approaching availability, with Simon Collings of The Standard reporting that the player was aiming to play a role in the run-in.
With Arsenal’s next game against Premier League title rivals Manchester City, it seems unlikely Timber will be thrown back into the mix immediately.
After such a long time out, a game away to the reigning champions of the competition isn’t the ideal time to make your comeback.
Perhaps a more realistic target is the following game, when Arsenal face Luton Town at the Emirates Stadium.
We’ll see how things progress over the international break, with the club sharing pictures of Timber in training again this week.
The hard work continues 👊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 18, 2024
📍 Sobha Realty Training Centre pic.twitter.com/7CN7pWyCxC
Jurrien Timber is back in first-team training with Arsenal and closing in on a return to full training, but when will he play again?
Arsenal posted pictures and videos of Jurrien Timber in training with the first team at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, with the summer signing stepping up his recovery from injury.
Sami Mokbel reports for the Daily Mail that Timber is not quite yet in full training, but he’s expected to make that transition in the coming days.
Simon Collings explains for the Evening Standard that Timber didn’t take part in the entirety of Arsenal’s first-team session on Wednesday, but he joined in with the main group after some initial individual work.
As for when Timber will be back in action, Mokbel writes that Timber’s inclusion on Wednesday is an indication that the defender is now approaching availability.
But Collings reports that Timber is still a way away from full fitness, and he’s currently aiming to play a role during the run-in.
With the Chelsea game being postponed, Arsenal have three more games before the international break, with Sheffield United on Monday, Brentford on the Saturday, then FC Porto on the following Tuesday (March 12th).
Given the Porto game is less than a fortnight away and Timber still isn’t quite in full training, it sounds like he’s not going to be back playing before the international break.
After that, Arsenal don’t play until March 31st, when the Gunners travel away to Manchester City. That game would be a big ask for a first game back.
Perhaps a more realistic target is just over a month from now, when Arsenal face Luton Town at the Emirates Stadium. We’ll see how things progress in the coming days.
Live Arsenal injury table
Common injuries and recovery times
Injury | Minor | Moderate | Severe | |
Ankle & Foot injuries | Achilles tendonitis | 6 weeks | 3 months | 6 months + |
Ankle sprain | 2-3 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Calf muscle strain | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Fracture dislocation of ankle joint | 6 months + | |||
Os Trigonum Syndrome (floating bone in back of ankle) | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | ||
Plantar fascitis | 2-3 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 2 months + | |
Knee & Leg injuries | Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) | 4-6 months | ||
Calf muscle strain | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Cartilage Tear (meniscal tear) | 2-4 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 2 months + | |
Hamstring strain | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Lateral Collateral Ligament Sprain | 2-3 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 3 months | |
Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain | 2-4 weeks | 4-8 weeks | 3 months | |
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) | 3-5 months | |||
Patella tendonitis | 6 weeks | 3 months | 6 months + | |
Posterior Cruciate Ligament | 4-6 weeks | 6-8 weeks | 3-4 months | |
Thigh strain (Quadriceps strain) | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Tibia & Fibula Fractures | 4-6 months + | |||
Hip & Groin injuries | Abdominal strain (stomach muscle strain) | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks |
Avulsion fracture pelvis | 8 weeks | |||
Groin strain (Adductor strain) | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Hip flexor strain | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Hernia | 8 weeks post-op | |||
Iliopsoas Syndrome | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | |
Lower Back injuries | Facet syndrome | 2-3 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 4 weeks + |
Sciatica | 3-4 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 2 months | |
Spondylolysis (stress fracture) | 2-3 months | |||
Slipped disc | 3-4 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 2 months | |
Elbow, wrist & hand injuries | Dislocated finger (Mallet finger) | 2-3 weeks | *GK 8-10 weeks | |
Elbow fracture | 10-12 weeks | |||
Golfer’s elbow | 1 week | 3 weeks | 6 weeks + | |
Tennis elbow | 1 week | 3 weeks | 6 weeks + | |
Metacarpal fractures (hand fractures) | 2-3 weeks | *GK 8-10 weeks | ||
Wrist fractures (Colles and Scaphoid) | 6-8 weeks | |||
Shoulder injuries | Acromio Clavicular (AC) joint sprain | 1 week | 4 weeks | 6-8 weeks |
Dislocated shoulder | 6-8 weeks | |||
Fractured collar bone | 6-8 weeks | |||
Fractured humerus | 6-8 weeks | |||
Rotator cuff (muscle problems) | 2 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 8-12 weeks | |
Ruptured biceps tendon | 12 weeks | |||
Subacromial bursitis | 1 week | 2-3 weeks | 6 weeks | |
Neck injuries | Cervical disc prolapse (Slipped disc) | 6 weeks + | ||
Whiplash | 1-2 days | 5-7 days | 2 weeks | |
Data source |
Hamstring injuries
Hamstring injuries are classified into three grades based on their severity. These grades help medical professionals determine the extent of the injury and guide appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plans.
Grade 1 (Mild): A Grade 1 hamstring injury is a minor strain or pull, with only a few muscle fibres affected. There is usually mild pain and discomfort but no significant loss of strength or function. Recovery time for a Grade 1 injury is typically between 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the individual and the specific injury.
- Grade 2 (Moderate): A Grade 2 hamstring injury involves a partial tear of the muscle fibres. This results in more pain, swelling, and possible bruising. The individual might experience difficulty walking or have a limited range of motion. Recovery time for a Grade 2 injury is usually between 4 to 8 weeks.
- Grade 3 (Severe): A Grade 3 hamstring injury is a complete tear or rupture of the muscle, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and significant loss of function. This type of injury may require surgical intervention, depending on the location and extent of the tear. Recovery time for a Grade 3 injury can range from 3 to 6 months, or even longer, depending on the severity and the individual’s healing process.
- It’s important to note that recovery times can vary depending on the individual, the quality of the rehabilitation program, and other factors. It’s crucial to follow the advice of medical professionals and adhere to a proper rehabilitation plan to minimise the risk of re-injury and ensure a full recovery.
22/23 Season
Arsenal Players Seek Private Physiotherapy Amid Title Run-In
Discover why Arsenal players are seeking private physiotherapy sessions outside the club to stay in peak physical condition during their title run-in.
As Arsenal face a crucial stage in their Premier League title race, several first-team players have reportedly opted for private physiotherapy sessions beyond the club’s medical staff.
According to MailOnline, the players understand that even minor injuries or discomfort could hinder their chances of success. As a result, they are taking additional precautions to maintain their top physical condition for the upcoming decisive matches.
The report states, “Sportsmail has learned that a number of the Gunners’ first-team squad have sought private physio sessions away from the club’s medical umbrella to ensure their bodies are primed for the title run-in.”
In their recent victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, Arsenal welcomed back key players, including Martin Odegaard, Kieran Tierney, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus, who all recovered from various injuries and illnesses.
Compared to Arsene Wenger’s tenure, when lengthy absences due to injury were common, Arsenal’s current management of player injuries has significantly improved. The fact that players are proactively seeking additional support outside the club’s medical staff showcases the determination and commitment fostered under Mikel Arteta’s leadership.
Stay updated on Arsenal’s title run-in and their players’ efforts to maintain peak physical condition by following our regular coverage and expert analysis.