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Jurrien Timber has been an integral part of Arsenal's Premier League title challenge and his recent absence coincided with a downturn in their fortunes.
The Netherlands international picked up a groin injury as Mikel Arteta's side saw off Everton with a late win in mid-March which was initially suspected to be a minor issue.
Jurrien Timber's Arsenal absence felt during injury
Since the defender's withdrawal, the Premier League champions-elect took just three points from a possible nine, lost the League Cup final and exited the FA Cup.
It also had a knock-on effect for his country, who edged out Norway and were held to a 1-1 draw by Ecuador during the March international break without Timber available.
Arteta revealed before the Gunners' Champions League semi-final first leg at Atlético Madrid that a timeframe for Timber's return to action was still clouded in uncertainty.
"We don’t know yet," admitted the Arsenal boss. "He is doing some stuff on the pitch at the moment.
In this morning's press conference, however, the Basque confirmed that the Dutch international would be missing for the fixture alongside forward Kai Havertz.
Timber's absence has seen Arteta deploy Ben White, a centre-back by trade, on the right side of his defence in attempts to compensate for the absence of his first-choice.
However the England man's extended run in the side has seen him face renewed scrutiny especially after his role gifted Southampton in their shock FA Cup victory.
Timber has endured more than a fair share of injury problems after suffering an ACL injury on his Premier League debut shortly after arriving from Ajax in summer 2023.
But with Arsenal's lengthy wait to be crowned English champions on the line, the timing of the 24-year-old's return could prove defining for this season's title race.
