Versatile defender Jurrien Timber was one of Arsenal’s marquee signings of last summer. The Dutchman arrived at the Emirates from Ajax in a big-money move but unfortunately ruptured his cruciate ligaments on his Premier League debut, and he’s been out ever since. With a handful of games remaining, Timber is expected to return before the season is out, but it could be the Euros where he makes the most progress.

At the time of writing, it’s worth noting that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has repeatedly stated that Timber needs time to get back to playing, so his involvement with the Netherlands this summer, in a tournament Euro 2024 betting odds tip them to be one of the stronger outfits taking part, is unclear. But if all goes according to plan, the twenty-two-year-old could be back playing for the Gunners for the title run-in, which may allow him to prove his fitness to Ronald Koeman, his international manager.

Timber, who has fifteen senior caps to his name, has predominantly played as a centre-back at international level while occasionally filling in at right-back. From twenty-four squad involvements, he’s started thirteen games, with two substitute appearances thrown in. This could help Timber’s case because regardless of his fitness levels, it’s unlikely that he would have gone to Euro 2024 with a guaranteed starting berth to his name. If this was the case, he would likely not have been going based on the ACL injury he suffered and the subsequent recovery.

It's also likely that Arteta and Arsenal wouldn't have been comfortable knowing one of their prized assets could be heading to an international tournament as a starter after spending eight months or so on the sidelines with one of the most severe injuries a football player can sustain. But, they could be more on board with Timber heading to the Euros as a substitute, with the Netherlands, Koeman and his staff using him sparingly and building up his minutes ahead of the next Premier League campaign.

Arsenal have had another excellent Premier League season, regardless of what happens between now and May 19. And it’s unclear as to what impact Timber could have had on the team, performances and results because he was forced off after fifty minutes on his debut. However, as one of just three cash signings last summer, with the Gunners paying £40 million to acquire his services, there was an expectation that the defender could have become a key player.

Arsenal will now have to wait until next season to see what Timber can bring to the table and why the club decided to pay big money for him in 2023. If he can hit the ground running, it will be like having a new signing all over again. And this could be brought along if he’s involved at the Euros with the Netherlands in some way, shape or form, getting himself back used to playing football after so long out of action.