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Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is set to be fit in time for the Gunners’ return to Premier League action against Fulham on April 1, following the international break.
Timber had to withdraw from the Netherlands squad due to illness ahead of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg against Spain on Sunday night. The 23-year-old had already missed the first leg in Rotterdam and was deemed unlikely to recover in time for the return fixture in Valencia. As a result, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman called up Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen as a replacement.
Despite his absence on international duty, Timber is expected to be available when Arsenal host London rivals Fulham at the Emirates Stadium. With the Gunners not involved in FA Cup action this weekend, the Dutch defender has additional recovery time before making his return.
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Jurrien Timber (Image credit: Getty Images)However, Arsenal have concerns over Riccardo Calafiori, who suffered a knee injury while representing Italy. The 21-year-old twisted his left knee during a 2-1 defeat against Germany in Milan and was seen leaving the San Siro with a limp. He has since withdrawn from the Italian squad and will be assessed by Arsenal’s medical staff this week.
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“Riccardo Calafiori, who underwent tests this morning for the sprain-contusion trauma to his left knee sustained during the match against Germany, has been deemed unavailable for the return match scheduled for Sunday and will return to his home club,” the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed in a statement.
In more positive news for Arsenal, centre-back Gabriel Magalhães has returned early from international duty with Brazil. The defender played the full 90 minutes in Brazil’s 2-1 victory over Colombia but received a yellow card, ruling him out of their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Argentina.
As a result, Gabriel has been released from the squad, allowing him to rest before rejoining Arsenal’s preparations for the Fulham clash.
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