Arsenal welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to North London on Saturday for their first fixture of the new season. In his pre-match press conference, manager Mikel Arteta provided positive news on the injury front, particularly regarding Jurrien Timber.
Arsenal Injury Update: Jurrien Timber Returns
Fabio Vieira’s Fate Yet to Be Decided
Due to the foot injury Jurrien Timber suffered during the pre-season, Arsenal fans were left fearing the worst once again. The Dutchman had missed almost the entire 2023/24 season thanks to a knee injury that he sustained during the match against Nottingham Forest.
However, the Arsenal faithful have now received some good news after Arteta confirmed Timber will be in the squad for the game against Wolves. Speaking on the former Ajax defender’s injury, he said: “Jurrien will be in the squad tomorrow…he’s managed to get a lot of things done and improved in many areas except playing. He found it really helpful I think and now he’s ready and he has a chance“.
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Unfortunately, Arteta didn’t express the same confidence about Fabio Vieira’s return. He said: “We will check him now after training to see how he is but he looked to adapt to it“. The midfielder is suffering from a minor hip problem.
Timber had missed the pre-season friendlies against Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen, and Olympique Lyon. Meanwhile, Vieira was absent for the match against the French side.
Timber was earlier praised by the Arsenal coaching staff for his “tremendous ability“ and he will hope to showcase it on Saturday.
How Will Arsenal’s Defence Cope With the Injuries?
Luckily, Arsenal have recently added Riccardo Calafiori to their ranks and thus have enough depth in defence. The Italian can play as a left-back and as a left-sided centre-back. Versatility is one of the most prominent features of the players that Arteta and Edu Gaspar usually bring in.
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In the absence of Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko should start at left-back. The Ukrainian had a good game during the Emirates Cup Final and will hope to cement his spot in the starting lineup.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Kieran Tierney (hamstring) are long-term injuries. Both defenders missed the entire pre-season. An exact return date is not known for either player.
