Arteta reveals an update on the worrying injury of Jurrien Timber

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the fitness of defender Jurrien Timber, who was substituted at halftime during the Gunners’ 2-0 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

Timber, who returned from a long-term injury this season, impressed in the first half, but felt discomfort in his leg, leading to Arteta’s decision to bring him off as a precaution.

“He was unbelievable in the first half, but he felt something muscular, and he was uncertain, and I didn’t want to take any risks,” Arteta said after the match.

The manager acknowledged Timber’s recent workload and stressed the importance of managing his fitness. “He’s been out for a year, he’s played a lot of minutes, probably more minutes than we wanted in the last few weeks, and we have to manage him.”

With the Gunners set to face Southampton in their next Premier League match, Arteta’s comments suggest a degree of uncertainty surrounding Timber’s availability. The extent of the injury is yet to be determined, and further assessments are likely to be conducted to determine the severity of the problem.

The absence of Timber would be a significant blow for Arsenal, who have relied heavily on his defensive contributions since his return from injury. His ability to play both at center-back and right-back has provided Arteta with valuable tactical flexibility.

While the full extent of Timber’s injury remains unclear, the manager’s cautious approach suggests that the club will prioritize the player’s long-term health over short-term gain. Arsenal fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for the promising defender.