With Ben White struggling with a groin injury, most Arsenal fans expected to see Jurrien Timber in the team for the match against Ipswich Town, as the Dutchman has recovered from injury.
Timber’s fitness problems are well known, and he missed the World Cup because of one of them. The Gunners have also been careful with his return, waiting for him to be fully fit before giving him an extended run of matches.
He came on as a replacement for White during the weekend game against Sunderland, and Arsenal fans were happy to see him back on the pitch for their team. His return provided some encouragement amid concerns over White’s fitness.
Timber absence raises concerns
Timber was one of the players Arsenal supporters expected to see in the Ipswich game, but that did not happen. Instead, Martin Zubimendi played at right back, leaving fans concerned that Timber may have suffered a fresh injury setback.
The Dutchman is an important player for Arsenal, so losing both him and White at the same time could have created a significant problem for the Gunners. However, Arteta has confirmed that Timber has not suffered a new injury.
The decision not to use Timber against Ipswich appears to have been part of Arsenal’s approach to managing his return. After spending a lengthy period on the sidelines, the club is clearly conscious of the need to avoid placing too much physical demand on him too soon.
Arteta explains Timber decision
Speaking about Timber’s absence after the game, Arteta provided reassurance to Arsenal supporters. The manager explained that everything was fine with the defender and indicated that the club is simply being careful with his workload.
Arteta also pointed out that Timber had already played more minutes than the club wanted since returning from his lengthy absence. The defender featured for 53 minutes against Sunderland after five months out, making his management an important consideration.
Arteta said via Metro Sports:
‘No, everything is fine.
‘He has played much more than we wanted. The other day he had 53 minutes after five months out.
‘We need to look after him.’
Timber’s absence against Ipswich appears to have been a precautionary decision as Arsenal continue to manage his return carefully.
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No midfielder or striker is injured at the moment. All are defenders in Timber Saliba Mosquera Hincapie White.
I appreciate Arteta for continuing winning despite this problem
Regards Timber’s absence, it was only a three day turn around. So a bit of caution was the way to go. 👍
Absolutely Derek. Certainly not for a league cup fixture. He’s simply way too important and we’re dealing with a groin injury which can be extra difficult to time an effective recovery with, just ask ESR. His absence imo made our run in last year a good deal more difficult than it would have been otherwise.
The last thing we need is Timber falling down😂😂
👍🤣Reggie
🤦♀️
Reggie,
😂🤣 You’re definitely our comedy club now, welcome. OH, that was good. 😂🤣👍
Timber is sometimes overly agressive in his approach, we
need him a White fit and raring for the whole season !!
Brigthon will be a tough game and we need our front line
to deliver. Hoping tonigths game vs utd. will take its toll..
and our extra day will pay off.