Arsenal's Dutch defender #12 Jurrien Timber (L) and Arsenal's English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka (R) celebrate their win on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 17, 2024. Arsenal won the game 2-0. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Arteta confirms doubt over Arsenal star for Aston Villa match

Aug 23, 2024

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has cast doubt on Jurrien Timber‘s ability to start the upcoming Premier League match against Aston Villa on Saturday.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - JULY 24: Jurrien Timber #12 of Arsenal FC controls the ball during the first half against AFC Bournemouth during a pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024 in Carson, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) — CARSON, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Jurrien Timber #12 of Arsenal FC controls the ball during the first half against AFC Bournemouth during a pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024 in Carson, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

In his pre-match press conference, Arteta revealed that the Dutch defender experienced a minor setback during pre-season, stating, “He had a really good pre-season to a point, then we had to stop him because he had a little issue there and we didn’t feel like he was ready.

“We have to build him up; we have to be cautious so I’m not sure [if he will be fit to start against Aston Villa].”

CARSON, CALIFORNIA: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal FC controls the ball during the first half against AFC Bournemouth during a pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

This news comes as a blow for Arsenal, who hoped to have Timber ready to start for their trip to Villa Park. The 22-year-old impressed during pre-season and is expected to play a key role in the Gunners’ backline this season.

Arteta’s cautious approach suggests Timber’s foot injury, while not serious, requires careful management. The Arsenal boss will likely prioritise long-term fitness over rushing him back for a single match and he is likely to be on the bench again this weekend.

In Timber’s absence, Arteta will no doubt opt to retain the back four that started against Nottingham Forest in the opening weekend, with Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Oleksandr Zinchenko expected to keep their places.

The match against Aston Villa will be a tough test for Arsenal, who will be looking to avenge their two defeats to Unai Emery’s side last season.

The Gunners will need to be at their best to secure a positive result, even without Timber in the starting lineup.