Arsenal to return back to transfer market after Jurrien Timber injury

• Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber was injured during the Premier League’s opener last weekend
• The Gunners have confirmed the summer signing picked an ACL injury and will be out for months
• Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted the club could dip back in the market for a new defender

Mikel Arteta is considering the possibility of revisiting the transfer market for Arsenal, following a season-ending knee injury suffered by summer signing Jurrien Timber during the Nottingham Forest match. Timber, the Dutch defender, sustained ligament damage, prompting concerns about the number of significant injuries occurring early in the campaign, leading Arteta to express concerns about player welfare.

Timber’s injury occurred during the Premier League win over Forest, with the confirmation of ligament damage emerging later. Despite a challenge with Brennan Johnson just before half-time, Timber initially felt no immediate pain. Rigorous tests were conducted during the interval, concluding that the outcome would not have changed even if he had been substituted immediately. He played for a brief period in the second half before being replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Arsenal summer signing defender Jurrien Timber suffered an ACL injury during Arsenal’s 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League’s opening weekend. | PHOTO: Sky Sports |

Arteta addressed the situation, acknowledging the substantial blow caused by Timber’s injury, especially given his recent arrival at the club. The coach emphasized Timber’s positive character and his resilience in facing the extent of the injury and the prolonged recovery period. The setback will compel Arsenal to adapt and find alternative strategies, acknowledging the unfortunate reality of such incidents in football.

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Regarding Kieran Tierney, who was previously considered for departure but now may stay due to Timber’s absence and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s fitness struggles, Arteta suggested that Arsenal could consider new acquisitions following this injury setback.

Arteta acknowledged the unexpected nature of Timber’s injury and stated the club’s willingness to remain open to reactive measures in the market. While the team didn’t anticipate this development, their priority remains getting the best performance from the available players. Arteta also highlighted the challenges posed by injuries suffered by players like Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings at the onset of the new season.

Arteta drew attention to the broader context of players’ demanding schedules, which could be linked to the mounting injury concerns. He pointed out players like Emi Buendia, Thibaut Courtois, and Eder Militao who have also encountered injury problems. The coach indicated that the combination of matches, tours, international commitments, and events like the World Cup in January places excessive strain on players. Looking ahead, the intensity of the schedule for the next 36 months appears overwhelming and calls for careful consideration of player welfare.

While Arteta acknowledged the need to prioritize player well-being, he also noted the challenges posed by the crowded football calendar. The complex balance between prioritizing competitions and protecting players remains a pressing concern for clubs like Arsenal. Arteta suggested that discussions about future plans should have taken place earlier, acknowledging the difficulty of making substantial changes within the next 36 months. Ultimately, Arteta highlighted the urgency of addressing these concerns to ensure the long-term welfare of players across the football landscape.