Arsenal have received a double injury boost as pre-season training begins, with Ben White fully recovered from a knee injury and Jurrien Timber making progress in his rehabilitation.
Ben White Fit After Knee Injury
White suffered a significant medial ligament injury during Arsenal's Premier League win over West Ham in May, forcing him to leave the London Stadium in a brace. The 28-year-old missed the remainder of the season and was ruled out of potential World Cup selection with England.
However, White has made positive progress over the summer. He participated in a training camp in Marbella last week and joined the full squad for the official start of pre-season on Monday. When asked about his recovery, White said: "I've been training every day, really. Knee's all good. Started training back with the team last week."
Jurrien Timber Still Recovering
Jurrien Timber was also present at London Colney, though he appears behind White in fitness. The Dutchman missed over two months last season with a groin injury suffered against Everton in March. He returned for the Champions League final but was not fully fit, and subsequently withdrew from the Netherlands' World Cup squad after it was determined he had "not recovered sufficiently."
Timber indicated he is not yet ready for full first-team training. "Getting there slowly," he said. "Trying hard. Been rehabbing over the summer, hopefully back soon."
Pre-Season Fixtures
Arsenal's pre-season begins against Spanish second-tier side Girona on August 1. They then face Real Betis in Dublin on August 5, followed by matches against Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup and Cesc Fabregas' Como. The Community Shield against Manchester City is scheduled for August 16, with the Premier League season opener against Coventry on August 21.
