Arsenal could be with defender Jurrien Timber ahead of their crucial clash with Leeds United.
Mikel Arteta's men need a response after losing against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium last Sunday, with the Gunners losing vital ground in the Premier League title race.
Next up is a tricky test at Elland Road, with the Whites rejuvenated lately, as they look to secure their safety and ensure safety this term.
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Is Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber fit to face Leeds this weekend?
Arteta shared the latest on both Timber and fellow defender William Saliba ahead of the game with Kairat in midweek.
The Spaniard said both players were suffering with their own 'niggles' and kept coy on whether the pair could return this weekend against Daniel Farke's side.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta(Image credit: Getty Images)
“No, those are not (available),” said Arteta, “it’s a good opportunity now that we make a different kind of work with them to get them in the best possible condition for the weekend hopefully.”
Timber has so far played 32 times for the Gunners this season, across four different competitions.
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What has been impressive is his versatility, with the 24-year-old capable of playing at centre-back, right-back and even left-back should he be needed.
But with him and Saliba both out, a back four of Ben White, Cristian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly did the job in midweek.
A general view as players of Arsenal pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England.
Arsenal bounced back with a win against Kairat on Wednesday evening(Image credit: Getty Images)
“It’s been like this for the first seven months of the competition," said Arteta when askd about injuries ahead of the game in Europe on Wednesday.
"Whether it was with this competition, domestic league and Champions League, or with international players playing for their countries as well.
“There is nothing new. The good news is that we have some players back as well now that are going to be helping us. We are used to it, so that’s never going to be an excuse.”
In FourFourTwo's opinion, if Arteta has options, he will likely rest Timber, but we can expect him to provide more of an update in his pre-match press conference on Friday.