Arsenal are expected to receive a concerning injury update regarding Jurrien Timber. The defender’s return can be delayed adding to his long-term absence from the club. The summer recruit had only featured in one full competitive match for the Gunners prior to sustaining an ACL injury, which occurred shortly after the start of the second half of the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.
Given Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta and Sporting Director Edu’s desire to sign him, Arsenal were dealt a severe blow, necessitating a number of tactical adjustments. Thomas Partey began the season as a right-back, frequently switching positions, while Gabriel Magalhajes dropped out of the back to provide cover for Declan Rice, while the £105m signing was still seen as Arsenal’s deep-lying playmaker.
In addition to the Timber issue, Arteta’s full-back situation has been further complicated by the occasional absences of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Additionally, Ben White has been the latest defensive stalwart to suffer an injury, having missed the match against Burnley prior to the international break due to a minor setback.
Also Read:
Jurrien Timber still recovering
Odegaard’s and Jesus’ return is a major relief for Arsenal. However, Partey’s recent injury has been a further setback, with the Ghana international having undergone a procedure that will prevent him from playing until the start of the new year. Furthermore, according to a report from Dutch outlet AD (via The Mirror), Timber may be out for a longer period than expected.
The report said that Dutch manager Ronald Koeman will not have Timber available in Euro 2024. Therefore, it is certain that the former Ajax defender will not play again this season, despite speculation that he may be included in Arteta’s resubmitted squad for the Champions League knockout stages, which has a March deadline.
Editors pick
