In a post-match interview after Arsenal’s victorious Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain, manager Mikel Arteta disclosed that defender Jurrien Timber had to be substituted at half-time due to a muscle issue.
The Gunners secured a solid 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium, with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka in the first half.
Despite the team’s success in the competition, concerns arose over Timber’s physical condition after his early exit. Jakub Kiwior replaced the Dutchman at halftime after Timber had started his seventh consecutive game across all competitions.
Arteta elaborated on the reason behind Timber’s withdrawal, stating, “He was unbelievable in the first half, but he felt something muscular, and he wasn’t certain. So I didn’t want to take any risks. He’s been out for a year and he’s played a lot of minutes, probably more minutes than we would have wanted in the past few weeks and we have to manage him.”
Having previously suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in August 2023 which sidelined him for most of the season, Timber has made a strong comeback and has been a regular feature in the team, contributing with one assist in eight matches this season.
As Timber strives to regain full fitness for Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Southampton, he also aims to be available for the Netherlands’ UEFA Nations League matches against Hungary and Germany, scheduled for October 11 and October 14 respectively.
