The Netherlands international joined the Gunners from Ajax last summer and he had a brilliant pre-season for the club.

He got the nod at left-back in the curtain-raiser, but he was substituted shortly after the break with a ligament damage.

Timber has been working on his recovery for the past six months. Arsenal have today confirmed his return to team training.

The Dutchman is still far away from achieving match fitness and he may have to wait for a few weeks to make the squad.

Ideally, manager Mikel Arteta may not involve him on the pitch until after the international break.

The Gunners are scheduled to face Sheffield United on the road on Monday before Brentford visit the Emirates Stadium.

This will be followed by the second leg of the Champions League last 16 against Porto at home before Chelsea 's visit.

Arsenal are set to face Pep Guardiola 's Manchester City away from home following the March international break.

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