Jurrien Timber Premier League medal situation clarified as Arsenal injury comeback delayed

Jurrien Timber has missed out on being included in Arsenal's North London Derby matchday squad to face Tottenham. The Netherlands international made his return from injury for Arsenal's Under-21s against Blackburn Rovers and was on the score sheet inside the opening few minutes.

As that clash was just six days ago, with Timber only playing the first 45 minutes, Arteta was asked if he would feature in the North London Derby, with his answer certainly surprising. "We’re going to have to make that decision tomorrow after a training session," Arteta said.

"It’s very close, I don’t know if this is going to come to soon for him, but he’s very close." Arteta's promising update filled some with hope that Timber would play against Spurs, however the club have confirmed that will not happen. Arsenal's academy are back in action this afternoon when they play Liverpool and Timber has once again been named in the starting XI.

With that, the 22-year-old will see his senior absence extend to nine months and thus heartbreak arrive if Arsenal achieve their title dream. If Timber returns next weekend against Bournemouth and features in the remaining games, he will total four Premier League appearances for the season, which is just under the threshold to receive a medal.

The rulings on the Premier League website read: "The champions are also given 40 commemorative medals made of silver, which are 2.25in (5.7cm) in diameter.

"They can be distributed to the manager, players and officials as the club see fit, as long as every player who has made at least five Premier League appearances during the title-winning season gets one.

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"Additional medals may only be presented with the consent of the Premier League Board, and that will only be granted if more than 39 players have made at least five PL appearances during the campaign." However, it is entirely possible none of his team-mates receive medals with Manchester City favourites to land their fourth consecutive Premier League title.