Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has undergone surgery after long-standing issue | OneFootball

Arsenal have reportedly been monitoring Jurrien Timber closely after he underwent a minor operation on a groin issue a few weeks ago.

Manager Mikel Arteta already has fitness headaches to deal with ahead of next season.

He will be without William Saliba when the 2026-27 campaign kicks off, and Timber will be desperate to return to action before the end of pre-season.

The Netherlands international defender missed the World Cup due to the injury but has been training with the Arsenal squad.

However, he has yet to make a full return, and it is unclear whether he will be available for their first pre-season fixture against Girona on Saturday.

Timber missed most of the title run-in last term due to the long-standing issue and will hope to be fully fit when the new season starts.

Arsenal also take on Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund and Como in pre-season before facing Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 16.

They kick off their title defence at home against newly-promoted Coventry City on August 21.

The Gunners could be without some of their key players at the start of the new campaign due to fitness issues.

Injuries threatened to derail their momentum across all competitions last term, and Arteta will be desperate to avoid a recurrence.