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

Jurrien Timber marked his return to action with a stunning goal for Arsenal's Under-21s' last night after eight months out with an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury.

The 22-year-old was named in the squad for Monday night's trip to face Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park after last appearing for the club on the opening day of the season against Nottingham Forest. The Gunners have taken their time in pushing Timber to his return and he didn't take long to get up to speed.

Playing at left-back in Mehmet Ali's side, Timber cut onto his favoured right foot towards the edge of the box and fired in a curling shot into the top corner. The Dutch international played the first-half against Blackburn before being replaced by Elian Quesada-Thorn.

"It's been great having him and the lads gave him a round of applause in our pre-match meeting," Under-21s boss Ali said. "It's never easy to be a professional footballer and suffer the injury that he had and miss a lot of football.

"He's come into a new country and it's been difficult for him but since his return, he's been excellent. Whether that's been training with the first team or training with us, he's been a real good role model for the younger players and his performance showed that this evening.

"He scored a very good goal showing tremendous ability to execute that finish. His decision-making and his whole performance for 45 minutes was very strong and the players will learn a lot through watching him."

READ MORE: Watch as Jurrien Timber scores stunning goal on Arsenal U21s return

READ MORE: Jurrien Timber sends Arsenal clear message in return as new role sheds light on transfer plan

Following the 2-2 draw at Ewood Park, Timber and Arsenal's official Instagram account shared a post of four pictures of the defender in action. "All the hard work pays off *red heart emoji*," the caption said.

"A goal and 45 minutes in the tank for our Jurrien tonight on his long-awaited return to action *hands up emoji*."

Timber is unlikely to be in the squad for tonight's Premier League clash with Chelsea but could return to face Tottenham on Sunday. Mikel Arteta played down the likeliehood of that happening, though.

"That's a quick step," the Spaniard said when asked if he could be involved against Spurs. "Let's see how he feels today. He has been training really good, he looks ready. Ne needs that exposure and after that we will assess whether that game comes at the right time or too fast. We will try to get him with us for the final games."

If not, another outing for the Under-21s could follow on Sunday at Liverpool (1pm). However, his return to action and early positive signs with be a boost for Arteta.

Timber's versatility to play at both left-back and right-back was one of the reasons the club signed him from Ajax in the summer. His adaptability may not prove pivotal this season but he could play a big part in Arteta's squad for next campaign.