Arsenal star training alone with Netherlands after injury return

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Jurrien Timber has not trained with the main Netherlands group since linking up with the international squad, instead following an individual programme as his workload is carefully managed.

The Arsenal defender was pictured working on a spinning bike on Monday and was again away from the main session on Tuesday when Xavi's squad emerged to train.

It comes just days after Timber made his first start for the Gunners since March in Saturday's 3-0 Premier League defeat at Brighton, a match in which he was withdrawn on 60 minutes.

A carefully managed return

Timber's season has been shaped by a stubborn groin problem that eventually required a minor surgical procedure and forced him to withdraw from the Dutch World Cup squad.

The 25-year-old returned as a half-time substitute in the 2-0 win at Sunderland, replacing Ben White after the England international picked up a groin injury of his own. He was then rested for the Carabao Cup third-round trip to Ipswich Town before being handed his first start of the campaign at the Amex.

According to football.london, the thinking is that Timber's condition needs to be managed carefully following such a lengthy and problematic lay-off, with the Netherlands also facing a congested schedule across the break.

Xavi's side host Germany on Thursday before travelling to Serbia on 27 September in the Nations League. They then head to Greece on 1 October before hosting Serbia again on 4 October — four fixtures in total, giving the Dutch staff plenty of scope to assess their options without rushing Timber back into the fold.

Travel chaos for the Brazil contingent

Elsewhere, Gabriel Magalhaes sat out Brazil's first session after the squad landed in Australia for two friendlies. The centre-back has racked up 675 minutes across all competitions so far this term.

Gabriel and club team-mate Bruno Guimaraes were both hit by significant travel disruption on arrival Down Under. Their flight, bound for Brisbane where Carlo Ancelotti's squad were meeting up, was unable to land due to weather and was diverted to Sydney, leaving the pair late to report to camp.

Guimaraes felt well enough to do some work with the ball while Gabriel stretched in the gym, suggesting the Brazilian defender's absence from the full session was precautionary rather than injury-related.

Brazil remain in Brisbane until Thursday before heading to Townsville to face Australia. They meet the same opponent again on 29 September before travelling to Kolkata to take on India on 3 October — a punishing itinerary for two players already logging serious mileage.

For Arsenal, the priority is straightforward: all three return from the break in one piece. Timber's phased reintegration in particular will be watched closely at London Colney, with the defender only three appearances into his season after six months out.

Mikel Arteta will hope for clean bills of health when the squad reconvenes following a fortnight in which his side's defensive resources have already been tested.