Arsenal Face Another Defensive Setback as Star Set for Surgery

Arsenal’s defensive crisis worsens as Jurrien Timber set to undergoes surgery, leaving Mikel Arteta short on options.

Arsenal’s defensive crisis continue as Dutch defender Jurrien Timber is set to undergo surgery for an ankle injury, further depleting Mikel Arteta’s backline. Timber, who has been managing the issue for weeks, was absent from the squad in Arsenal’s recent 1-0 victory over Newcastle and was an unused substitute in the Champions League semi-final legs against Paris Saint-Germain.

The decision to proceed with surgery means Timber will miss Arsenal’s final fixture of the season against Southampton, with uncertainty surrounding his return timeline. His absence adds to Arsenal’s growing list of defensive injuries, including William Saliba, who was forced off at halftime against Newcastle due to a hamstring issue. Arteta confirmed that Saliba felt discomfort while tracking back, and further scans will determine the severity of his injury.

Additionally, Arsenal are already without Gabriel Magalhães and Takehiro Tomiyasu, both long-term absentees due to injuries. With Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko expected to leave the club in the summer, Arsenal may be forced to seek defensive reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window.

Arsenal have reportedly shown interest in Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, as well as Roma’s Evan Ndicka and Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera, as potential solutions to their defensive crisis. The club was previously linked with Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, but the Spaniard has since completed a £50 million move to Real Madrid.

Arteta acknowledged the need for smart decision-making in the transfer market, stating, “We need players because the squad is really short, and on top of that, we are losing four or five players whose contracts or loans are ending. We need to be sharp and disciplined in what we do to ensure we are strong next season.

With Arsenal’s season nearing its conclusion, the focus will shift to recovery and squad rebuilding. Timber’s surgery marks another setback in a campaign riddled with injuries, but the club remains hopeful that he will return in time for pre-season preparations.