Timber’s setback leaves Arsenal sweating ahead of the run-in
Arsenal go into Sunday’s massive clash with West Ham with a major cloud over Jurrien Timber. Mikel Arteta has confirmed the defender is still out with a groin problem that’s turned out to be much nastier than the club first thought. The Dutchman hasn’t played since hobbling off against Everton back in March, meaning he’s now been sidelined for nearly two months.
Arteta didn’t hide his frustration, calling the situation “probably the most difficult thing” he’s had to manage this season. What makes it sting more is that the manager initially suggested Timber would only be out for a few days, an assessment that looks incredibly wide of the mark now.
With only four games left in the season, including that massive Champions League final date booked after the midweek thriller against Atlético Madrid, Timber was seen watching from the Emirates stands. While he joined the celebrations on the pitch at full-time, he was clearly moving with some discomfort. At this stage, there’s a real chance we won’t see him pull on the shirt again before the summer.
Asked if the severity of the injury had been a surprise and more significant than first expected, Arteta said: “Yes, that’s probably been the most difficult thing to manage. The full-back has been ruled out of Arsenal’s trip to West Ham on Sunday, and there is uncertainty over whether he will be available again.”
Asked if the severity of the injury had been a surprise and more significant than first expected, Arteta said: “Yes, that’s been probably the most difficult thing to manage.”
On a better note, Mikel Merino is back training on the grass following his foot surgery in February. There’s a good chance the Spaniard could actually play a part before the season wraps up.
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Does Timber’s injury record start to look like a long-term problem?
It’s hard to ignore the pattern. Timber missed basically his entire debut season after that heartbreaking ACL tear in the very first game, and now his second year is being derailed by another lengthy layoff. Nobody doubts what he brings to the pitch; his reading of the game and calmness under pressure make him a special talent. But his availability is becoming a massive headache that Arsenal can’t just ignore.
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When you’re a club competing for the biggest trophies, you need players you can rely on week in, week out. Having a key asset repeatedly breaking down makes long-term planning almost impossible. It’s time for a serious look at whether Timber’s body can actually handle the intensity of the Premier League, because right now, that’s a massive “if.”
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