The panic has officially set in over this international break for Arsenal with Riccardo Calafiori already suffering a potential problem as he was taken off for Italy following a nasty slip. However, the Italian was not the only player to be missing.
Arsenal’s starting right-back Jurrien Timber was unsurprisingly called up to the Netherlands squad following his impressive form. In the absence of Ben White due to injury, Timber has truly stepped up and in the England international’s stead performed to a very high level.
Mikel Arteta has already made clear reference to the impressive performances of Timber in recent press conferences. When asked about the return of White, the Spaniard was keen not to let people forget just how good his 2024 summer signing has been.
"Well obviously, that connection that we had in the right side with [White], Bukayo and Martin was something exceptional and a real threat to the team," Arteta said before the clash with PSV. "We missed that.
"It's true that Jurrien has been equally exceptional as well with his performance and consistency and now we're going to have another option which is great to have."
White's return to the squad is a welcome one, and any rest that Timber might need will now be well-covered for by the 27-year-old as he continues to build up match fitness. And fears of a Timber absence arrived sooner than expected when the Netherlands team to play Spain on Thursday evening came out.
Timber was nowhere to be seen which naturally sparked plenty of fears from Arsenal supporters and speculation over an injury ensued. Thankfully, the Dutch side’s official X account left an explanation for the full-back's absence.
"Timber is not available tonight due to illness," the post read. The Netherlands drew the game 2-2 courtesy of a goal from fellow Gunner Mikel Merino in the 93rd minute.
Ronald Koeman’s side play again on Sunday in the second leg of the Nations League quarter-final which after Merino's goal will be a much more manageable task. Whether Timber will have recovered from his issue remains to be seen.
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