Timber speaks out about the demanding schedule: 'I think it's very dangerous'

Jurriën Timber is savoring every moment back on the pitch after overcoming the devastating knee injury that marred the start of his Arsenal career.

The Dutch defender had high expectations for his move to North London, but his early season was abruptly interrupted by a severe knee injury shortly after his transfer from Ajax. Now, after months of recovery, Timber is relishing the opportunity to be an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s side once again.

Reflecting on his return to the squad, Timber expressed his gratitude for being back where he belongs. "I wanted to be part of the team. That feeling of belonging, of contributing, is something I missed so much when I was sidelined. Last year, I had that feeling, and now I’m here again. I'm really thankful for that," he said. His passion and determination are clear, and it's evident that Timber's absence from the game has only heightened his love for football. Now, fully fit, he is ready to help Arsenal in their ambitions across all competitions.

This week's Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain marks a significant moment for Timber. Although it’s his first appearance in the Champions League with Arsenal, he’s no stranger to European football’s elite competition, having gained valuable experience during his time at Ajax. The defender feels confident that his teammates who are less accustomed to Champions League football will adapt quickly, and he doesn’t see the need to offer too much advice. "Playing in the Champions League is a bit different, but it’s similar to the big matches in the Premier League," Timber explained. "I don’t need to tell the guys too much. The intensity, the quality of the opponents, it's all familiar territory. Personally, I've never faced PSG, but I know they're a top side with immense quality."

The anticipation surrounding Arsenal's clash with PSG is high, but it’s only one part of the broader challenge that Timber and his teammates face: the relentless schedule that comes with competing in multiple top-tier competitions. For Timber, who is now balancing Premier League and Champions League football with domestic cup duties, the workload is far more intense than what he experienced at Ajax.

"I’ve played twice a week before, especially at Ajax, where we had European commitments, but this is different," Timber admitted. "The level, the intensity it's higher here. At Arsenal, every game feels like a final, and you realize just how physically and mentally taxing it is. It’s only now, playing here, that I fully understand what that means. And we’re doing it week after week."

Timber elaborated on the challenges of this intense schedule, pointing out the physical demands placed on players. Arsenal's campaign is particularly taxing, with the club fighting for silverware on multiple fronts: the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups. Despite playing just days earlier, Timber and his teammates are expected to perform at the highest level again in back-to-back games. "We just played on Saturday, and now we’re preparing for another huge game," Timber said, referencing the rapid turnaround between matches. "It’s tough on the body and the mind. For me, personally, I’m just happy to be playing again after my injury. But if I’m being honest, it’s very dangerous to push ourselves like this."

The Dutchman’s comments reflect a growing concern within the football community regarding the demands of modern schedules. With little time for rest between games, players are at a heightened risk of injuries, fatigue, and burnout. Timber’s experience with a serious knee injury earlier in the season has made him particularly sensitive to the physical toll that such a grueling schedule can take. While he remains grateful for the opportunity to play again, he also acknowledges the risk involved.

As Arsenal navigates the challenges of their campaign, Timber's return to form is a huge boost for the club. His versatility and ability to play both as a center-back and a full-back provide Arteta with crucial tactical options, especially as the team deals with the demands of competing at the highest level. But even as Timber enjoys his resurgence, his candid acknowledgment of the dangers posed by the modern football calendar serves as a reminder that the sport’s physical and mental demands are greater than ever before.

Timber's outlook is optimistic, and his gratitude for being able to return after such a significant setback is clear. Yet, his warning about the dangers of overexertion is equally important. As the season progresses, the ability to manage player workload will be critical not only for Arsenal but for clubs across Europe. For now, Timber is embracing the challenge and focusing on helping Arsenal achieve their goals, but the conversation around player welfare and the pressures of the modern game is likely to continue.

As Timber prepares to face PSG, his attention is firmly on the present, but his comments serve as a reminder of the fine line players walk between success and exhaustion. Arsenal fans will be hoping that Timber’s injury woes are behind him, and that he can remain a key part of their campaign moving forward, but as he wisely pointed out, the demands of the game remain a constant challenge.