Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has been ruled out of the match against Brighton after suffering an injury during the final minutes of the midweek win over Crystal Palace.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has confirmed that defender Jurrien Timber was omitted from the squad for Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 24-year-old full-back sustained an undisclosed physical issue during the closing stages of the Gunners’ midweek Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace.
His absence forced a tactical reshuffle, with midfielder Declan Rice tasked to cover the defensive role.
Arteta explained the decision to leave the Dutch international out during his pre-match briefing, noting that the player was unable to recover in time for the weekend clash.
Discussing the injury, Arteta said: “We missed him because in the last part of the game he felt something and he could not carry on so he’s out.”
The manager did not provide a specific timeline for the defender’s return to the starting eleven.
The injury adds to Arsenal’s growing list of defensive concerns as they look to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table.
Timber, who has been a versatile asset for the north London side, joins a casualty list that already includes several key names.
Supporters will be anxious for further updates on the severity of the “issue” as the club enters a congested festive fixture period.