Jurriën Timber is 'normally' eligible to participate in the European Championship with the Dutch national team. National coach Ronald Koeman announced this during a press conference in Zeist. The Arsenal defender was sidelined for quite some time this season with a serious knee injury, but resumed group training with the Premier League leaders at the end of February.

Although Arsenal is not making any statements about a comeback, the club seems to be counting on Timber for the remainder of the season. Earlier this month it was revealed that the Gunners had registered the summer signing for the knockout stages of the Champions League, hinting at a Timber return in the coming months.

This makes the 22-year-old man marker also an option for Dutch national coach Ronald Koeman. The Dutch national team will be participating in the European Championships in Germany next summer and there is a chance that Timber will be part of the selection for the final tournament. “That depends on when he starts playing for Arsenal. If he only plays two games, it will be a very short time. If there are many more duels, he will always remain an option.”

“But don't quote me on a number of games he can still play for Arsenal. I just hope that Timber can reach his level and that he will have a chance.”

The 22-year-old from Utrecht has been struggling with a torn cruciate ligament since August 2023, which has caused him to miss dozens of matches at Arsenal.

Timber was still in Koeman's selection during the Nations League finals in June, but then had to accept Lutsharel Geertruida.

Before his injury, Timber played two games for Arsenal. The battle for the Community Shield was won on penalties against Manchester City (1-1 in regular time, 5-2 ns) and in the opening match in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest the defender had to be replaced after fifty minutes.

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