Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber won’t play again this season, according to Algemeen Dagblad.

The Dutch publication claims that the fullback’s recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury is likely to take longer than many had hoped.

Timber is not expected to be in contention when the Netherlands name their squad for the European Championships next summer, and there is also a possibility that he won’t be ready for the start of pre-season.

It means the 22-year-old could spend at least another seven months on the sidelines, having already been out for three since sustaining the injury back in August.

Timber lasted just 50 minutes into his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest before being forced off the pitch. It looked like a pretty innocuous twist of the knee at the time but it seems as though his season is already over.

Of course, Algemeen Dagblad‘s information may not be entirely accurate, and a more optimistic update could be provided by another source at a later date, but things don’t look that promising.

Updates on the fitness of 5 other Arsenal players

Ben White missed the 3-1 win over Burnley before the international break due to a knock but it is hoped that he will return to fitness for this weekend’s match against Brentford.

Cedric Soares has also been sidelined with illness. However, the Portuguese international should also be available if picked for the matchday squad by manager Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, meanwhile, is said to be winning his fitness battle, having sat out Norway’s fixtures due to a concussion.

Emile Smith Rowe is working his way back to fitness after sustaining a knee injury at the end of October. An estimate has not been given on when he will return to action. Thomas Partey is out until the New Year, having undergone surgery on a thigh problem.

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