Jurrien Timber has left Arsenal's training camp in Spain and returned to London, though sources close to the club insist the trip is a planned part of his rehabilitation programme and does not signal any setback in his recovery.

The Netherlands international has been dealing with a groin issue that caused him to miss the FIFA World Cup. Earlier in the campaign, he also sat out two months with an ankle injury before returning in time to feature in the UEFA Champions League final, which Arsenal lost to Paris Saint-Germain.

Timber expected back in Spain

Despite the temporary absence, Arsenal are confident Timber will rejoin the squad at the camp in Spain once the London-based element of his rehab is complete. The visit is understood to be a scheduled appointment rather than a response to any fresh complaint.

Timber has established himself as Arsenal's first-choice right-back, making 30 Premier League appearances last season as the Gunners claimed the title. His contribution was all the more remarkable given the injury difficulties he navigated throughout the campaign.

A difficult journey since joining Arsenal

The right-back arrived from Ajax in July 2023 for an initial fee of £34 million, but his debut season was derailed almost immediately when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate knee ligament, forcing him to miss the vast majority of his first year at the club.

With pre-season well underway, Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield on 16 August (15:00 BST), before defending their Premier League title against promoted Coventry City on 21 August (20:00 BST). The hope is that Timber will be fit and available as the new campaign begins.