Arsenal receive new Jurrien Timber injury update ahead of Liverpool title race showdown

Jurrien has been left out of the Netherlands' provisional squad for November's Nations League fixtures.

The centre-back has been out for nearly a month with a muscular problem sustained . The 23-year-old returned to training this week but has recovered slower than hoped.

Timber has been a mainstay in 's team. The Dutch defender's performances have helped the Gunners build a strong defensive unit which has seen them become Manchester City's closest title challengers in recent seasons.

But Arteta issued a worrying update on Timber's fitness ahead of Sunday's huge Premier League clash against . He admits to having hoped that Timber would be further along in his recovery.

"He has had the first session he could have some involvement with," the Spaniard told reporters. "He has been out for a while. We expected him to be further back than where he is at the moment, but again we have to wait and see."

And on Friday, the Netherlands released their provisional squad for Nations League fixtures against Hungary and Bosnia next month. Manager Ronald Koeman has opted not to select Timber, showing just how far away he is from a return to full fitness.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Timber is one of several injury concerns Arteta has in his squad currently. and are two other key players who could join Martin Odegaard in missing Sunday's game.

"We’re going to do our very best to somehow have them available," Arteta said. "It’s very, very uncertain."