Arsenal handed fresh injury boost for Chelsea clash?
September 5, 2026 01:03
Arsenal could have Jurrien Timber available for Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea after the right-back returned to group training following a period of individual work. Timber has been sidelined with a recurring groin issue and has not played for the club since the Champions League final, but manager Mikel Arteta indicated the defender has an outside chance of making the matchday squad.
Cristhian Mosquera and Bruno Guimaraes have both recovered from minor knocks and are expected to be available for the clash. A final call on Timber will come after he is assessed in the team’s next training session.
KEY CONTEXT
- Timber’s absence this season has been linked to a persistent groin problem, explaining his lack of appearances since the Champions League final.
- EyeFootball reports Arteta has described Timber’s inclusion as a long-shot but possible, and that the player has recently rejoined regular training.
- Arsenal have a strong recent record against Chelsea, recording eight wins and three draws in their last 11 meetings.
WHY IT MATTERS
- Timber’s potential return would directly affect selection at right-back and give Arteta an additional option ahead of the derby.
- The recovery of Mosquera and Bruno Guimaraes removes lingering fitness doubts for Sunday, increasing squad availability.
- Maintaining the unbeaten run against Chelsea would extend a run of favourable results in this fixture, which is likely to be a motivating factor for the team.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- The immediate development to follow is the outcome of Arsenal’s next training session, where Timber will be evaluated before a final decision on his inclusion is made.
- Confirmation of the matchday squad and starting lineup on Sunday will reveal whether Timber, Mosquera and Bruno Guimaraes are selected.
KEY FACTS
- Timber has not featured for Arsenal since the Champions League final.
- He has been managing a nagging groin problem this year.
- Timber trained individually earlier in the week and has rejoined team sessions.
- Arteta said Timber has an outside chance of being in the squad; a final assessment will take place in the next training session.
- Cristhian Mosquera and Bruno Guimaraes have recovered from minor knocks and should be fit.
- In their last 11 meetings, Arsenal have won eight and drawn three against Chelsea.