🚨⚽BREAKING NEWS: “The condition is poor” – Jurrien Timber’s injury news is very concerning. Coach Mikel Arteta has provided a troubling update this evening, indicating that Timber might be sidelined for the next four weeks.

Arsenal may have received a positive update regarding Jurrien Timber as they gear up for a critical stretch of matches after the upcoming international break.

Timber, the versatile Dutch defender, had to be substituted during Arsenal’s controversial draw against Brighton in the Premier League, sparking concern among fans and the club. This incident was particularly alarming because Timber had previously spent nearly his entire first season in English football on the sidelines due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. This injury occurred shortly after his £34 million transfer from Ajax last summer.

Having regained full fitness towards the end of the previous season, the 23-year-old defender managed to participate in two matches and trained diligently over the summer to prepare for the new campaign. He started back-to-back Premier League matches against Aston Villa and Brighton, and came off the bench in Arsenal’s season opener against Wolves. However, during the Brighton game, Timber appeared to play through some discomfort before being substituted for Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back by Mikel Arteta, who wanted to avoid the risk of further injury.

Timber left the field to applause from the Arsenal supporters, and his ability to walk without significant difficulty was a hopeful sign. Further comfort came from Arteta, who played down the seriousness of the situation, noting that Timber was merely experiencing cramp rather than a more severe injury. This clarification was particularly welcome, considering Arsenal is already dealing with several other injuries.

New signing Mikel Merino is expected to miss several weeks due to a shoulder injury sustained during his first training session. Additionally, striker Gabriel Jesus is out with a groin injury, defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is sidelined with a knee issue, and full-back Kieran Tierney is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during Euro 2024.

Arteta commented on Timber’s condition, stating, “He was cramping, so we had to take him off.”

Following the international break, Arsenal faces a tough schedule, beginning with a north London derby against Tottenham on September 15, and an important away match against Manchester City a week later. The challenging fixture list continues with the start of their Champions League campaign, including a trip to Italy to play Atalanta, the reigning Europa League champions.

In addition to these challenges, Arsenal will be without key midfielder Declan Rice for the Tottenham game, as he serves a one-match suspension following a contentious red card against Brighton.

On a brighter note, Raheem Sterling, on loan from Chelsea, is set to be available for his debut, and goalkeeper Neto, who joined on loan from Bournemouth, is also expected to be available for selection. Arteta stressed the importance of squad depth, emphasizing that other players will need to step up during this demanding period.