When Timber first trained with Arsenal, I thought: wow

'Brilliant, really brilliant,' responded Arteta at The Gunners' press conference when asked about his impression of Timber. The Dutchman impresses his Spanish coach. 'Anyone you talk to in our club will say that this is a very special boy.'

After Arsenal bought the Dutch national team defender from Ajax, Arteta immediately realized he had made a good move. 'We were really impressed with him from the start. Sometimes with a new player at the club, you think: wow. And this is an incredible player.'

'But he has had a huge setback to deal with,' Arteta acknowledges. However, the coach has firm confidence in Timber. 'It's really special to see how he has dealt with it. I hope to see him back soon.'

Timber is making progress in his recovery, according to Arteta. Although the former Ajax player needs a cautious rehabilitation. 'He has been on the field a few times already. Joining in training is still far away. But he is in a good environment to make a strong comeback.'