Jurrien Timber is absent from the Arsenal matchday squad to face Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium in the Premier League because of a knock, football.london understands.
The issue was picked up on Tuesday evening against Paris Saint-Germain in a Champions League semi-final first leg, but it is not thought to be serious.
The Dutchman has been a key figure under Gunners boss Mikel Arteta this season but niggling issues have continued to plague him after his first season at the club was completely derailed by a serious knee injury.
“Both of them are unable to start the game,” Arteta said after the team news came out, referring to Mikel Merino as well as Timber, the former starting the game on the bench. “Jurrien out and let’s see how he evolves and the rest OK. “
Ben White, Timber’s replacement in the starting XI, has also dealt with his fair share of problems but he is more than capable of filling in.
Arteta will be hoping however, that Timber is fit enough to return against the Parisians in their semi-final second leg given his importance and the talent Khvicha Kvaratskhelia possesses.
Explaining the decision, Arsenal simply wrote on X: “Jurrien Timber misses out.” Minus his absence, Arsenal have gone full strength with Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Declan Rice among the important players who have been named in the starting XI.
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As they need to beat PSG in France, the decision to do so has likely been done with building cohesion and momentum in mind. However, Arteta is taking a huge risk with it entirely possible injuries are picked up just four days before facing PSG.
As for their European opponents, Luis Enrique has gone down a vastly different route with Joao Neves the only starter from the first leg named from the off for their Ligue 1 clash against Strasbourg on Saturday afternoon.
Enrique will be hoping he is able to feature given the problems he caused Arsenal after scoring the only goal of the first leg which has given PSG the advantage.
PSG released a statemet on Dembele’s injury, writing on Friday that he ‘has strained his right hamstring. His condition is progressing well. A further assessment will be carried out shortly’.
They also confirmed an injury blow to defender Presnel Kimpembe, who was on the bench for the Arsenal game on Tuesday, saying ‘Victim of bone edema in the 2nd metatarsal of his right foot, Presnel Kimpembe will remain at rest for the next few weeks’.
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- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
