Mikel Arteta is on the verge of welcoming Jurrien Timber back into the Arsenal fold, with the defender close to making his first appearance of the season as the champions look to extend their perfect start at Sunderland.
Timber has not played a competitive minute for Arsenal since the Champions League final last season, but the Dutchman’s shadow has lingered over every team sheet. He travelled with the squad for the 1-0 win at Napoli in midweek, a clear sign that his exile is almost over, and has trained fully again this week.
Now comes the real question: does Arteta throw him in on Saturday evening?
“We have another training session today. He's been training with us for a few days. Let's see,” Arteta said, cautious with his words but clearly encouraged by the defender’s progress.
For a side intent on defending their Premier League crown with authority, Timber’s return would be more than a feel‑good subplot. It would be a genuine upgrade to a back line that has already started the campaign with three wins from three, including that statement 2-1 victory over Chelsea.
Timber offers control, aggression and calm in tight spaces. He also offers options. With him back in the mix, Arteta can reshuffle his defensive pack without the usual anxiety that comes with change.
There was more positive news on Ben White, who was reported to be fine after being substituted during the win in Italy. That leaves William Saliba and potentially Cristhian Mosquera as Arsenal’s only likely absentees.
Mosquera, who missed the victories over Chelsea and Napoli with a knock, is progressing but remains a doubt.
Arteta said the defender is doing “really well”, but his tone suggested that the club will not gamble on him if there is any lingering risk. With Timber close and White available, Arsenal have no need to force the issue.
Timber’s return would come at a ground that still carries a recent warning for the champions.
Arsenal arrive at the Stadium of Light with nine points from nine, their title defence up and running with a familiar intensity. Yet their last visit to Sunderland, in November, cut across that momentum. An 11-match winning run ended in a 2-2 draw, sealed by Brian Brobbey’s injury-time equaliser after Arsenal had turned the game on its head to lead.
Arteta has not forgotten.
“Last year we dropped points there and in the last minute,” he said. “We experienced and learned a lot from that game. Tomorrow we will discuss many things we want to be aware of and where we want to take the game and how to nullify their strengths.”
The message is clear: no complacency, no comfort, no assumption that last season’s lessons have already been banked.
Arsenal may be champions, they may be perfect on paper so far, but the memory of that late punch at Sunderland lingers. If Timber does step back onto the pitch on Saturday, he will do so in a fixture that already carries a hint of unfinished business.
