Key Arsenal Defender Limps Off With Ankle Worry

Jurrien Timber has become Arsenal’s latest injury concern after being forced off during the first half of Saturday’s Premier League victory over Everton.

The Dutch defender was caught on his right ankle by Iliman Ndiaye in a collision midway through the opening period. Despite receiving treatment on the pitch and attempting to continue, Timber was eventually substituted on 37 minutes, with Cristhian Mosquera taking his place.

The injury appeared to center on Timber’s right ankle, though the severity remains unclear. The defender has yet to provide any update on social media, and Mikel Arteta was not questioned about his condition in his post-match press conference.

Growing Injury Concerns

Any extended absence for Timber would represent a significant setback for Arsenal as they continue their Premier League title push. The club currently sits at the top of the table following their 2-0 victory over Everton.

Arteta is already dealing with several injury issues within his squad. Leandro Trossard remains sidelined after being forced off during last weekend’s FA Cup victory over Mansfield Town, while captain Martin Odegaard missed the Everton clash due to a persistent knee problem.

“I’m desperate to get back to playing as soon as I can,” Odegaard said in his captain’s column for Arsenal’s matchday programme. “It’s been difficult for me with the knee injury lately, but I’m working as hard as I can to get back to full fitness now. The main thing is to be 100 per cent again, and make sure I can properly help the team.”

Mikel Merino continues his recovery as a long-term absentee following foot surgery.

Champions League Test Awaits

The timing of Timber’s potential injury adds another layer of complexity to Arsenal’s immediate fixture schedule. The Gunners face a crucial Champions League last-16 second leg against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday evening, needing to overturn a 1-1 draw from the first meeting to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

Arsenal enjoyed a remarkable Champions League league phase campaign, remaining unbeaten across all eight fixtures to finish at the summit of the standings. Their defensive solidity has been crucial to that success, making Timber’s availability all the more important for the upcoming European test.

According to Football London, the club will be hoping the defender’s ankle issue proves to be minor ahead of this pivotal period in their season.