Mikel Arteta is currently addressing several challenges for Arsenal as they prepare for their Premier League match against Southampton. Despite facing numerous injury concerns, Arsenal, who have already faced tough opponents like Tottenham and Manchester City, remain unbeaten this season. The recent run of three consecutive home victories at Emirates Stadium has bolstered the team’s confidence as they aim for another win before the October international break.
One significant concern is the potential injury of Timber, who was substituted at halftime during their match against PSG. Arteta explained his decision in a press conference:
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.”
With Timber previously covering the right-back position for White, Arteta faces a decision on how to fill that role against Southampton. While Takehiro Tomiyasu, a natural fit for the position, has returned to training, there may be hesitation to start him due to his recent two-month absence and limited training sessions.
Alternatively, Arteta might opt to reposition Thomas Partey as a full-back, a tactic used in the opening games of last season before Partey suffered a groin injury. Additionally, with Ethan Nwaneri firmly integrated into the first team and Merino available as a new midfielder option, Arteta has several strategies to consider. Merino made a strong impression by replacing Partey and delivering an effective 26-minute performance after missing four weeks due to injury.
