Timber has left Arsenal's Spain training camp to return to London for the next phase of his groin rehabilitation, with plans to rejoin teammates in Spain after completing the UK-based phase.

His injury management is part of a broader recovery process, with a potential to rejoin the squad next week if tests are favorable.

Timber’s return to London is a scheduled step in his rehabilitation timetable and not an indication of a fresh setback.

Timber’s absence raises questions about Arsenal’s defensive depth for a title challenge, forcing Arteta to consider defensive options during pivotal fixtures.

Arteta is juggling several injury concerns ahead of the new season, including William Saliba’s back issue and potential absences for Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Noni Madueke due to World Cup commitments.

Timber and Saliba are among players likely unavailable at the outset, complicating squad planning for the start of 2026-27.

Timber remains a central part of Arteta’s defensive plans when fit, having established himself as Arsenal’s primary right-back with 30 Premier League appearances and contributions of four goals and seven assists last season.

Timber’s contract runs until summer 2028, underscoring the club’s long-term plans for him as a core member of the squad.

Timber played 30 league games in the 2022-23 title-winning season, continuing his recovery from an ACL injury after arriving from Ajax in 2023.

Arsenal and its fans are awaiting timely updates on Timber’s recovery to gauge potential impact on title ambitions.

Timber’s withdrawal comes after missing the latter stages of last season’s title run and the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands due to injury.

Timber missed the final two months of the previous campaign with a groin issue, though he appeared as a substitute in the Champions League final before later missing the World Cup.