Jurrien Timber Returns To Netherlands Matchday Squad Ahead Of Nations League Clash With Serbia

Arsenal have received a positive fitness update on Jurrien Timber after the defender was named among the Netherlands substitutes for their Nations League clash with Serbia.

There had been growing concern over Timber’s availability after he missed training sessions while on international duty with the national team.

The Dutch defender was notably absent when Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez initially named his 26-man squad, making him one of three surprise omissions from that group.

Xavi has been in direct contact with Arsenal’s medical staff over Timber’s workload, with Dutch publication Voetbal International confirming the club and national team devised a tailored fitness programme together.

Explaining his careful management of the defender, Xavi said: “We have to be a bit careful with Jurrien Timber, who was injured for a long time. But he is available, that goes for everyone.”

Timber had been following an individual training programme rather than participating in group sessions, with both club and country taking a measured approach to his return.

The 23-year-old underwent minor surgery during the summer, which delayed his start to Arsenal’s season and caused him to miss the club’s opening five matches.

He returned to action with a substitute appearance in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Sunderland on September 12, though he saw a second-half goal ruled out for offside during that cameo.

Timber was subsequently left out of the squad for the Carabao Cup fixture against Ipswich, further underlining the cautious management plan being applied to his workload.

The news is not entirely positive across the Netherlands squad, with Liverpool supporters left anxious after Jeremie Frimpong was left off the matchday team-sheet entirely.

Timber has been included in the substitutes list alongside his brother Quinten, with both players potentially featuring against Serbia should Xavi choose to give them minutes.

Whether the Arsenal defender takes to the pitch against Serbia remains uncertain, but his inclusion in the matchday squad represents another encouraging step in his recovery journey.

Simply being available again at international level is a significant marker of progress for a player who has navigated a frustrating sequence of fitness setbacks over recent months.

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