In the quest to solve Arsenal’s midfield crisis for the north London Derby, it is easy to see how Mikel Arteta would consider Jurrien Timber a solution.
Part of the reason the Gunners signed Timber last summer was his versatility and only a serious knee injury stopped him from playing a major role last season.
The Dutchman is now back fit and he has started the last two games at left-back, tucking into midfield when Arsenal have possession.
Timber has looked sharp, clearly benefitting from a full pre-season, and he was particularly impressive in the 2-0 win at Aston Villa - where he kept Leon Bailey quiet.
It was before that game when Arteta was asked about the prospect of Timber playing midfield and the Spaniard confirmed it was an option.
“Yeah he is [an option there],” he said. “He can play in various positions. His versatility is one of his biggest strengths. We missed him for 11 months. It’s great to have him back.”
Sunday’s trip to Tottenham offers the opportunity for Timber to fulfil that role, given Arsenal are set to be without Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino.
Jorginho and Thomas Partey are likely to come into midfield, but Timber is clearly viewed as an option given what Arteta said last month.
Arteta, however, would be wise to keep Timber at left-back for the north London derby.
Arsenal’s defence has looked settled in their opening three games, conceding just once, and disrupting it for such a big game feels risky.
There is also the matter of who would replace Timber in the back-four, with Riccardo Calafiori a doubt after he suffered a knock playing for Italy during the international break.
Oleksandr Zinchenko could come in, however the Ukrainian showed last season how he can be vulnerable defensively and, given Tottenham’s threat out wide, he could be exposed.
Arteta’s style is to keep changes to a minimum. The logic being - why move two pieces around when you just need to plug one hole.
When it comes to Arsenal’s midfield headache, Timber is a solution but the ripple effect by moving him feels too great.
