Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber leaves Spain camp over groin issue

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has left the club’s training camp in Spain to return to London for planned rehabilitation on an ongoing groin issue.

Sources indicate the journey is part of a pre-arranged recovery schedule rather than a fresh setback for the Netherlands international.

The right-back is expected to fly back to the continent shortly to reunite with the rest of the Gunners squad.

Frustrating injury record continues

This persistent groin problem previously forced the former Ajax man to sit out the recent World Cup tournament.

It follows a challenging spell for the defender, who was sidelined for two months late last season with an ankle complaint.

Despite those absences, he miraculously recovered in time to feature in Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat against Paris St-Germain.

Gearing up for title defence

When fully fit, the full-back was an integral part of Arsenal’s Premier League title success last term, making 30 appearances across the victorious campaign.

He originally arrived in north London in July 2023 for an initial £34m fee, although a devastating anterior cruciate ligament tear ruined much of his debut season.

The champions will face Manchester City in the Community Shield on 16 August before beginning their title defence against newly promoted Coventry City five days later.