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Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has left the club's warm-weather training camp in Spain and returned to London. The Netherlands international is still working through rehabilitation for a groin injury that affected the closing stages of his last campaign.

Timber returns to London for specialist work

Timber has flown back to London from Arsenal's pre-season camp in Spain while he continues to deal with a persistent groin issue. The Netherlands international, who has had a difficult spell with fitness problems since arriving at the Emirates Stadium, is aiming to complete his recovery before the new Premier League season begins. Although his exit from the squad may initially worry supporters, sources close to the club have told the BBC about the situation involving the adaptable 25-year-old.

It is understood that the right-back's return to London is part of a planned rehabilitation programme, and not a fresh setback in his recovery. The Netherlands defender is expected to rejoin his team-mates in Spain once this particular stage of his individual work is finished in the United Kingdom.

A frustrating history of fitness struggles

This latest groin problem adds to a frustrating injury record for the former Ajax player, whose first season in north London was badly interrupted by a serious knee injury. After completing a £34m move to the Emirates in July 2023, he suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury on the opening weekend of the campaign, almost wiping out his entire first year under Mikel Arteta.

Even with those early setbacks, Timber became a regular presence for much of last season. However, an ankle injury broke his rhythm and kept him out for two months towards the end of the campaign, though he recovered in time to play in the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain before another groin issue ruled him out of the World Cup .

Vital role in Arteta's defensive plans

When fully fit, Timber is an important part of Arteta’s system, bringing valuable defensive flexibility and calmness in build-up play. He established himself as Arsenal’s first-choice right-back, and the 25-year-old made 30 Premier League appearances last season to help guide the Gunners to their first league title since 2004.

In total, Timber made 44 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions last season, making a major contribution with four goals and seven assists. The defender, whose current contract at the Emirates Stadium runs until the summer of 2028, remains a key figure in Arteta's long-term plans.

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The road ahead for the Gunners

Arsenal’s pre-season build-up is stepping up ahead of a major campaign as defending champions. The Gunners will soon be chasing early silverware when they face Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 16 before starting their Premier League title defence against newly-promoted Coventry City on August 21.