Declan Rice reacts after seeing ‘incredible’ Arsenal player is back in first-team training after injury

Arsenal are preparing to travel back to the UK as their Asia tour concluded with a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.It was a disappointing end for Mikel Arteta’s side, however, the trip did conjure up many positive aspects, including the performances of 15-year-old Max Dowman.The Gunners now look ahead to two clashes at the Emirates Stadium with Spanish sides Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao before their Premier League opener at Old Trafford.Riccardo Calafiori picked up a knock during the pre-season tour but fans and teammates have been overjoyed to see the return of one player to first-team training.READ MORE: Andrea Berta genuinely has no idea whether or not ‘remarkable’ player is going to sign for ArsenalPhoto by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesDeclan Rice welcomes Jurrien Timber back to Arsenal trainingJurrien Timber has returned to full first-team training at Arsenal following a lengthy lay-off spanning back to the end of last season.Timber underwent surgery on an ankle injury that plagued the end of his 2024-25 campaign. The Dutch defender played through the pain barrier to help his side.Now Timber has his sights firmly on returning to full fitness before the clash with Manchester United and he has been welcomed back by teammate Declan Rice.Rice commented on an Instagram post shared by Timber showing him in action during a training session with the message of: “Family ❤️”Timber has been praised by Jeremie Frimpong recently for his strength both on and off the ball and will be hoping to make an instant impact upon his return to Arteta’s side.What will Arsenal’s back four look like against Manchester United?Arteta has some tough decisions to make immediately with both Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes having had a disrupted pre-season campaign so far.Ben White has impressed with his performances so far and played 90 minutes in the defeat to Spurs to prove that his fitness is back up to speed.The Gunners have built their defensive solidity on the partnership between William Saliba and Gabriel in recent seasons but the Brazilian is yet to play a minute of action upon return from hamstring surgery.Jakub Kiwior was excellent during the final months of last season and could deputise once again for the Manchester United game despite being linked with a move away from North London.Arteta will be looking for a solid defensive display in the opening game and then hope that his under-fire attack can start to click to kick off the campaign with three points.