Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has suffered an injury setback ahead of tonight's pre-season friendly against Bayer Leverkusen, according to reports.

Timber made his competitive return to action this summer after missing much of last season due to a serious knee injury suffered during Arsenal's league opener.

The 23-year-old featured for the U-21s in April and May as he stepped up his recovery and he was expected to be fully fit for the start of the Premier League this month.

He had featured in two of Arsenal's warm-up games in the United States, against Bournemouth and Manchester United, but was absent for the defeat by Liverpool.

Now,

Timber has been struggling with a load-bearing injury

— Gary Jacob (@garyjacob) August 7, 2024

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has suffered an injury setback in pre-season, reports say

As a result, it is said the Netherlands international is a doubt for this evening's friendly against Leverkusen at the Emirates and this weekend's match against Lyon.

Arsenal begin the new top-flight season next weekend against Wolves and at present, it remains to be seen whether Timber is now in a race against time to play. 

Speaking back in February, Timber insisted his lengthy spell on the treatment table had made him 'stronger' in one of several positives he had taken from the process.

'Of course, at some points it's been difficult,' he told Arsenal's official club website. 'Because you're not playing, and that's the thing you love to do.

'I use that as motivation during my recovery. I see the boys a lot, at the training ground but also at the games, and that's been good for me too.

'Even though I'm not playing, I can take this moment to become stronger mentally, physically and also to feel at home with this group of boys. 

'It's an opportunity I've taken with both hands.

'I've had some more time to watch the team, see how we play, see how I can fit in when I get on the pitch. So looking at the positives, I think there have been many.'