Jurrien Timber handed major Tottenham North London Derby return incentive amid Arsenal decision

Arsenal welcomed back Jurrien Timber to the field on Monday night when he played in the under-21s youth clash with Blackburn. He wasted no time in hyping himself up even more when he slammed in a screamer of an opening goal, curling a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Naturally, the immediate aftermath saw swathes of Arsenal supporters asking the same question. ‘When is Timber going to return to the first team and make his senior appearance for the first time since the opening game of the season?’

Mikel Arteta appeared to quieten hopes that it might be very soon. Asked if the Netherlands international might make his return against Tottenham he was very non-committal.

“That's a quick step,” Arteta replied. “Let's see how he feels today. He's been training really good. He looks ready.

“He needs that exposure and after that, we'll assess whether that game comes at the right time or too fast. We’ll try to get him with us for the final games.”

There is, however, a significant motivation beyond just the return itself for Timber to come back to the squad this Sunday when Arsenal travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Gunners know that they can maintain their top spot in the league should they beat their North London rivals in their own place for a second successive season.

READ MORE: Could Jurrien Timber be in Arsenal squad for North London Derby vs Tottenham?

READ MORE: Jurrien Timber sends message after Mikel Arteta rates chances of Arsenal return vs Tottenham

However, for Timber’s hopes of getting a Premier League medal, he has to make his return against Tottenham to have a chance. As per Premier League rules, to be eligible to receive a medal at the end of the season a player must make five appearances.

So far, he has made just the one meaning that he needs to play some part in the remaining four games against Tottenham, Bournemouth, Manchester United and Everton. Should he miss any and Arsenal win the league he will not be getting a medal.

Other players to have made appearances in the league this season but are currently below the five-game threshold include Cedric Soares (3) Mohamed Elneny (3) and Ethan Nwaneri (1). Aaron Ramsdale has made six appearances meaning he would be eligible prior to what is expected to be a summer exit.