Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber can see his return date getting closer.

As he recovers from ACL surgery, Timber was added to Arsenal's Champions League squad this week.

He told Arsenal media: "Of course at some points it's been difficult because you're not playing, and that's the thing you love to do.

"Sometimes you really want to join the team – when you are enjoying the game so much you really want to get down there and be part of it. That's frustrating, because sometimes it looks so amazing you want to be part of it.

"But I use that as motivation during my recovery. I see the boys a lot, at the training ground but also at the games, and that's been good for me too.

"These months will definitely make me stronger. It's an opportunity for me to do well. So even though I'm not playing, I can take this moment to become stronger mentally, physically, and also to feel at home with this group of boys.

"It's an opportunity I've taken with both hands. I've had some more time to watch the team, see how we play, how I can fit in when I get on the pitch, so looking at the positives, I think there have been many."