Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has undergone surgery after longstanding issue | OneFootball

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

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta already has fitness headaches to deal with at the Emirates Stadium club ahead of next season.

The Gunners boss will be without William Saliba when the 2026-27 campaign kicks off, and Timber will be desperate to return to action for the North London club before the end of pre-season.

The Netherlands international defender missed the World Cup as a result of the injury but has been training with the Arsenal team so far.

However, he has yet to make a full return and it is unknown 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 longstanding 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 major players for the start of the new campaign owing to fitness issues.

Injuries threatened to derail their momentum across all competitions in 2025-26 and Arteta will be desperate to avoid a recurrence going forward.

Arsenal are looking to win the quadruple next term after only ending up with the league title last term, and they will need a fully fit squad to get the job done.