Jurrien Timber has admitted that Arsenal’s mounting injury problems have made an already demanding season harder to manage after their late defeat at Aston Villa cut their lead at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners saw their 18-match unbeaten run in all competitions brought to a sudden end when Emi Buendia struck with the final kick of the game at Villa Park, sealing a 2-1 win for the hosts.
It proved doubly costly as Manchester City’s victory over Sunderland reduced Arsenal’s lead to just two points.
Forced into a central role because of injuries to William Saliba, Gabriel and Cristhian Mosquera, Timber said the defeat must now be used to drive them on.
“I think in the end you need to use it as a motivation and in the end as a strength, because it happened and we need to accept it and we need to get better,” he said.
“At the same time, within the season, I think these moments happen, set-backs, and you just have to step up after that.”
The Dutch defender also acknowledged the wider impact of Arsenal’s fitness issues across the campaign.
“Yes, it is [disruptive],” he said. “I think we have a great squad. I think players that come in always do really good, but obviously it’s not always easy.
“We can’t play every week with the same players and if players go out again, it’s tough. But I think it’s also part of… it happens within the season.
“I think it happens at every club. With us it’s the same and we just have to manage that with and win our games.”
Villa took the lead through Matty Cash late in the first half before Leandro Trossard levelled early after the break. The contest appeared to be heading towards a draw until Buendia’s stoppage-time goal sparked wild home celebrations and left Arsenal players beating the pitch in frustration.
Arsenal’s squad has been repeatedly stretched this season due to injuries.
Kai Havertz has not featured since the opening weekend, Gabriel Jesus has yet to return after last season’s ACL injury, while Martin Odegaard has missed 12 matches through three separate injuries.
Cristhian Mosquera is currently sidelined, while Leandro Trossard, Piero Hincapie, Christian Norgaard, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli have all endured spells out.