Arsenal is currently navigating a significant challenge at the right-back position as they aim to make a mark in what could be an extraordinary season across both the Premier League and the Champions League. With just two league matches remaining, the Gunners are in control of their own fate and could potentially secure the league title as early as Tuesday if Manchester City suffers a setback against Bournemouth.
Once the domestic campaign concludes, attention will shift to the Champions League, where Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest. However, manager Mikel Arteta now finds himself without the two right-backs who have been instrumental in his success this season.
Jurrien Timber has been absent since the 2-0 victory over Everton in mid-March, missing the last 12 games due to a groin injury. Initially, it was thought that the issue was minor, but it has now disrupted his entire season. Arteta expressed uncertainty about whether Timber will play again this term, with the Dutchman still not back in training.
The situation has taken a turn for the worse with the loss of Ben White, whose season is over after sustaining a ‘significant’ medial knee ligament injury during a match against West Ham United.
In a more optimistic tone, Arteta mentioned on Thursday that Timber has shown some progress in recent days. “He’s progressed a little bit in the last few days. We’re going to try to get him fit and available as quickly as possible, but let’s see,” he said.
“He’s been out for a while, unfortunately. He’s such an important player for us. We all know that and he’s doing everything he can to help the team in any capacity. We know his leadership, his quality and how much the team needs him.”
If Timber is deemed fit, there may be concerns about his match sharpness, especially given the high level of competition he would face against players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Stephen Smith, CEO and founder of Kitman Labs, which specialises in injury prevention and recovery, believes there has been considerable work done behind the scenes to prepare Timber for the upcoming challenges.
“ If the player is not on the field and training at this point after two months out, think of the match sharpness they have lost,” Smith explained.
“Not to say it is impossible, it is not like he has been sat at home, I am sure they are doing a lot of work with him. Arsenal are short of numbers with Ben White out so it could maybe change their posture towards that and how they think about utilising Timber in these final weeks.
“But it certainly makes it more difficult. The importance of the games coming up too, everything matters.”
Meanwhile, White’s season is over, and although there is no exact timeline for his return, Arteta admitted this week that it would take “many, many weeks” before he is available again. The focus is now on ensuring he is ready for next season.
With the stakes at an all-time high, Arsenal must find a way to navigate these injuries and maintain their competitive edge in the crucial matches ahead.
