Arsenal handed injury boost ahead of Bournemouth match as Mikel Arteta makes decision

Jurrien Timber participated in another first team training session ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League match against Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Dutch defender has been on the sidelines all season after suffering an ACL injury in the opening game of the campaign.

Timber continued his rehabilitation after playing 71 minutes in Arsenal under-21's 2-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday.

Reflecting on his return, Timber said: “It’s been eight months, it’s been a long time and it's hard to put into words how I feel. Just being out there feels amazing, and even now it feels strange. But I feel happy and blessed to be out there and it’s nice to score a goal as well.”

“I can’t wait, the season is almost finished, we’ve got a few more games left and I hope to be a part of the team for the final few matches. The lads have already been texting me, so it’s going to be fun.”

The former Ajax man will face a late fitness test ahead of the match against the Cherries on Saturday, with Arteta hopeful that his summer signing will make the travelling squad.

“We have to make that decision [Saturday] after the training session,” said Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

“He’s very close, I don’t know if this is too early, but he’s very close now.”

Arteta's side will have just two league fixtures remaining after the game against Bournemouth, with a match away to Manchester United on May 12 before facing Everton in the final game of the season at Emirates Stadium a week later.