Xavi eases Arsenal fears after Jurriën Timber training concern

Arsenal have received positive news over Jurriën Timber after Netherlands manager Xavi Hernández confirmed the defender is available for international duty.

Concerns emerged after Timber was the only Netherlands player to sit out group training this week, instead following an individual programme. Given his recent injury problems and limited involvement for Arsenal at the beginning of the season, the images understandably raised questions about his fitness.

However, Xavi has now played down those fears ahead of the Netherlands’ Nations League meeting with Germany.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Xavi confirmed that all 26 players in his squad are available for Thursday’s game.

That includes Timber, with his individual work understood to have been part of an arrangement between Arsenal and the Netherlands rather than the result of a fresh injury.

The Gunners have good reason to manage his workload carefully.

Timber missed the World Cup during the summer and has only recently returned to action after another spell on the sidelines. Arsenal have therefore been cautious with his minutes during the opening weeks of the season.

Allowing him to follow a tailored programme while away with his country appears to be another part of that approach.

Being available does not necessarily mean Timber will immediately start for the Netherlands.

Xavi has kept most of his selection plans private ahead of his first match in charge, although he has confirmed Virgil van Dijk will remain at the heart of his defence.

Van Dijk recently committed his international future to the Netherlands following personal talks with Xavi and remains captain.

Whether Timber joins him in the starting line-up remains uncertain.

Considering Arsenal's careful management of the 25-year-old and the communication already taking place between club and country, the Netherlands have little reason to take unnecessary risks.

The most important development for Arsenal is that Timber's absence from group training was precautionary rather than evidence of another injury setback.

Timber could feature when the Netherlands face Germany on Thursday, although Xavi still has to decide how heavily to use him.

Arsenal will primarily hope the defender comes through the international break without problems as Arteta gradually increases his workload following his return.