Arsenal full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko says Jurrien Timber’s return this season will be a big boost to the Gunners’ title hopes.
Timber missed almost the entirety of the last campaign after suffering an ACL injury in the opening game of the Premier League season.
The versatile Dutchman can play across the back line and is expected to challenge Zinchenko for the left-back spot.
And Zinchenko says the added competition for places will help Arsenal as they look to dethrone Premier League champions Manchester City.
“I knew him (Timber) before he came to Arsenal,” he said.
“I played against him for the national team at the Euros. I knew him as a player. He is an unbelievable player and an unbelievable guy. He is so humble, he is working super hard.
“Unfortunately for him he just picked up an injury, but he is doing amazing now. I was watching all the process, the way he was coming back from the injury, how much he was working.
“Chapeau to him and everything he has done. He deserves a lot of credit. I wish for every single player in the club to do his best. That is the only way to achieve a lot of things.”
Arsenal have fallen just short to Manchester City in the Premier League for two seasons in a row but Zinchenko believes the club are close to ending their trophy drought.
“I don’t think we need to copy someone like City,” he said.
“Of course at the moment they are probably the best team in the world. If you look at the stats and titles they have won in the last couple of years, it is amazing.
“You always need to look at the best but not be like them, we need to be on top of them.
“Arsenal are on the right way. I really hope and believe in the close future Arsenal can achieve a lot of good things.”
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