Mikel Arteta provides update on Jurrien Timber’s injury ahead of Chelsea clash
Jurrien Timber is yet to feature for Arsenal this season.
The defender has been managing a persistent groin issue since March.
He played through it to feature in the Champions League final, but it forced him to withdraw from the Netherlands’ World Cup squad entirely.
The 25-year-old is back on the pitch and progressing, but has yet to be risked in a game.
Mikel Arteta was cautiously positive when asked about him ahead of Sunday’s Chelsea clash.
Arsenal team news ahead of Chelsea clash
Speaking in his latest press conference, Arteta said: “He is in really good condition at the moment. He is in a good place.”
When pressed on whether he would be available on Sunday, Arteta, as always, kept his cards close.
“We will decide tomorrow after training.”
In all likelihood, the Chelsea game is probably too soon for him. It’s not exactly the sort of game to throw a player back into after a lengthy layoff.
Ben White can do the job at right-back, where he will be directly up against the player Arsenal missed out on in the summer, Morgan Rogers.
Arteta also addressed the two other injury concerns from the Aston Villa game.
Bruno Guimaraes picked up a knock but is expected to “probably train on Saturday.”
If he isn’t fit, Myles Lewis-Skelly will keep his place alongside Declan Rice.
Mosquera’s substitution and subsequent training absence was described as precautionary.
Arteta says “we will see how he feels”, but Ezri Konsa looks set for his first competitive start, partnering Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.
