Arsenal star set for surgery as Mikel Arteta faces new concern for start of next season

Arsenal star Jurrien Timber is facing a race against time to be fit for next season with the defender set to undergo surgery. Timber missed Sunday's win over Newcastle after picking up ankle injury.

The Netherlands international has been one of the Gunners' key players this season. He had been managing fitness issues in recent weeks, though was able to start both legs of the Champions League semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

He was absent from the win over the Magpies though, which ensured Mikel Arteta's side will finish as runners-up this season. Ben White instead started at right-back with Timber sidelined.

There is just one more game of the season to play, with the Gunners unable to be caught whatever happens in their clash with Southampton . With nothing left to play for Arteta's attention is turning towards next season.

But he is already facing a potential headache, with Timber set for surgery. A timescale for his recovery is unknown, though his pre-season will undoubtedly be disrupted.

According to The Telegraph , Arsenal's medical staff decided Timber requires the procedure on his ankle. Arteta will be left sweating on his recovery time ahead of a crucial campaign in his reign at the Emirates.

Arteta confirmed ahead of the clash with Newcastle that Timber had been able to take part in a section of training last week. It is likely the Dutchman's season is now at an end though as he instead focuses on getting fit for next year.

Having ended up as runners-up for a third successive season and gone without a trophy for five years, Arteta is desperate for silverware next term. But he hailed his side for the resiliance they have shown in the face of a succession of injury crises.

"I don't know. I will try. When I can, I promise I will do my very best. I will live my life here. I will give everything. I will get every drop of everybody there. Squeeze it to get the best. But promise?" Arteta said after the win over Newcastle.

"I cannot promise that next season I'm going to win the Premier League or the Champions League. If I have to do that, I don't do it because I cannot promise anybody that. My best and the best of these players are going to try and go mad chasing that, I guarantee you that's going to happen.

"I know what we've been through for nine and a half months. I know what we've done. I know very well the history of the Premier League and the teams that have been in 30% of the situations that we've been in.

"They have collapsed, completely collapsed, and we haven't. I really value that because that shows that we have built something that is very, very sustainable and consistent, regardless of people who don't like to see it."