Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has suggested that Jurrien Timber is set to be sidelined for the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury against Nottingham Forest, and has suggested football’s packed schedule is to blame.
Timber is set for surgery after limping off at half-time following a heavy challenge in the Gunners' opening-day win. He was not in pain and wanted to play on, briefly emerging for the second half but lasting just five minutes before being replaced.
“Huge blow, especially for him after just joining the club,” Arteta said on Thursday morning. “It is for the team [too] because we recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident and he’s not going to be able to do it this season for us.
“We have to adapt, these things happen unfortunately.
“He’s a special character. He’s starting to realise the extent of the injury and the amount of time he’s going to be out. But he’s in a good place.
“We are willing to help him obviously but we know it’s going to be a long journey.”
Arteta did not rule out signing a replacement for Timber, 22, who joined Arsenal from Ajax this summer for an initial £34.3million and was making his league debut in the 2-1 win over Forest.
“We have to be open to react if something happens, not only with an injury but if something happens in the market as well,” Arteta said.
Aston Villa pair Tyrone Mings and Emi Buendia have also suffered ACL injuries this month, along with Real Madrid duo Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao.
“There is something there,” said Arteta. “With games, [pre-season] tours, the World Cup in January, plus this, plus that, plus internationals. It is a lot. It is too much for the players.
“It is incredibly demanding, when you see the next 36 months of the calendar for these players it is just better not to look at it because it is incredible what they are going to be doing.
“We have to look after them but, as a club, when do you look after them?
“It is too late. At least for the next 36 months, it is too late already. I don't know who needs to raise a voice here but there are worries, big worries on that.”
