Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has shed light on the status of defender Jurrien Timber following the team’s 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Timber, who occupied the right-back position for his seventh consecutive start, made a strong impression in the first half as goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal an early lead. However, the defender did not return to the pitch for the second half, sparking concerns about his fitness. Timber was substituted by Jakub Kiwior, with Arteta later confirming the change was due to a muscular issue. Timber rejoined the squad during pre-season after a lengthy period out and has since been an integral part of the team’s defense. Arteta is hopeful that Timber will recover in time to play in the upcoming league fixture against Southampton, and that he will be fit for international duties with the Netherlands. Arteta confirmed the nature of Timber’s injury and the rationale behind his substitution.
Mikel Arteta said “He was unbelievable in the first half, but he felt something muscular and he wasn’t certain. So I didn’t want to take any risks. He’s been out for a year and he’s played a lot of minutes, probably more minutes than we would have wanted in the past few weeks and we have to manage him.”
