Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that Jurrien Timber has been playing more minutes than initially intended, following a potential muscle issue the defender sustained.
Timber was substituted during Arsenal’s Champions League victory over PSG on Tuesday night, raising concerns of a more serious problem.
The Dutch defender, who suffered a season-ending injury during his debut match last season, has only recently returned to action after months on the sidelines.
Given his lengthy recovery, Arteta has been cautious about overloading the former Ajax player but admits Timber has featured more frequently than planned.
The Arsenal boss reiterated the need for caution, emphasizing the importance of managing Timber’s workload carefully moving forward.
Arteta said on the defender: “He was unbelievable in the first half but he felt something muscular and he wasn’t certain.
“He’s played more minutes than we would have wanted in the past few weeks and we have to manage him.”
Arsenal have significantly strengthened their backline, which is now regarded as one of the best in Europe.
This depth might allow Jurrien Timber some additional recovery time, following his injury earlier in the season.
The summer signing of Riccardo Calafiori offers Mikel Arteta the flexibility to rotate his defence, a valuable asset as the Gunners compete on multiple fronts this season.
A major positive for Arteta was the debut of Mikel Merino, who has been struggling with injury issues since his summer move from Real Sociedad.
His standout performances at the Euros raised his profile, and he finally made his first appearance for Arsenal, coming off the bench.
Merino, formerly of Newcastle, played the final 30 minutes and is expected to bring much-needed depth to Arsenal’s midfield.
Strengthening the midfield has been one of the few areas of concern for the North Londoners as they aim to become a trophy-winning side once again.
Arteta said on his new arrival: “Really good, because he joined us and first session he got injured.
“He had only one session with us, he was ready, he was really willing to be part of this today and obviously with the injuries and changes we had to make, we believe that he was the player that could help us in that phase.
“I think he’s done really well.”
Southampton await Arsenal as their final test before the international break.
Following the pause in domestic football, the Gunners will face a demanding stretch, with six matches scheduled over just 18 days.
This intense run could push the limits of their squad depth.
Read more: Benni McCarthy says Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag “lacks a bit of that fire, that passion”
Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes avoids ban after successful appeal
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.