Mikel Arteta has admitted that Jurrien Timber could make his long-awaited return from injury when Arsenal take on Bournemouth in the Premier League this weekend.

The Dutch international has been absent since injuring his anterior cruciate ligament on the opening day of the season against Nottingham Forest. After nearly nine months out though he has finally made his return to the pitch over the last few weeks.

Timber played 45 minutes against Blackburn Under-21s last Monday and capped his return with a superb goal. This was followed up by a 70 minute outing against Liverpool Under-21s on Sunday.

After coming through both outings unscathed, there is hope that the 22-year-old could now be ready for first team football. And Arteta has revealed that he could be in line to return to the Arsenal matchday squad for the clash with Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.

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"Yes everybody is fit and available," the Spaniard said when asked about the team news for this weekend. "So now it's the headache to make the right selection."

Timber's return comes just in time for him to play a part in Arsenal's bid to secure a first Premier League title in 20 years. The Gunners sit top of the table as things stand, but have just a one point lead over Manchester City who possess a game in hand.