by Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is confident he has overcome last season’s injury nightmare.
The Dutchman suffered an ACL injury on his Premier League debut for the Gunners last season and missed almost his entire first campaign with the club.
A foot problem has impacted some of his pre-season preparation, while Timber was also forced off the pitch in the final minutes of Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton before the international break.
Mikel Arteta was quick to play down any serious concerns and Timber provided an update on his fitness more generally, having made three appearances at club level this season.
The 23-year-old has been called up to the Netherlands squad for the UEFA Nations League games against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Germany and believes his anterior cruciate ligament problem is no longer a concern.
“Sometimes I still feel a bit stiff after a match or training, but in my head that no longer plays a role,” he told De Telegraaf.
“When I first came out, I immediately started making tackles again. Without any fear. You can’t just half-heartedly participate because things go wrong.”
Timber is hoping to be available for Arsenal’s trip to arch-rivals Tottenham after the break.
Arteta has already been dealt a major blow ahead of the north London derby, with Mikel Merino facing a prolonged period on the sidelines with a fractured shoulder.
Declan Rice will also miss the game following his controversial red card against Brighton on Saturday.
