As Arsenal gets ready for its Premier League game against Southampton, Mikel Arteta has given a comforting update on Jurrien Timber’s and Ben White’s ailments.
Taken off at half-time during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in their midweek Champions League game, Timber recently returned from a major ACL injury. Early replacement raised questions of a possible setback in his recuperation. When Timber was excluded from the Netherlands national team for the forthcoming international break, speculation got more intense.
Arteta reminded supporters, nevertheless, that Timber’s early replacement was only a safety measure and had nothing to do with a new or worsening injury.
White Nearing Return after Groin Injury
Ben White, who missed three games due to a groin injury, is also near to getting back in action. Arteta said that closer to match day a definitive decision on the inclusion of Timber and White versus Southampton would be decided upon. The Arsenal manager is pleased about their availability as both players are ready to make a comeback.
“We had to change training for our players; today we followed the same approach due to the load our players had.” Arteta said “Yes or no, this afternoon is the choice to include them. They are rather near. [Takehiro] Tomiyasu is also quite near to getting participating, so great news.
Arsenal supporters should expect a better team in their forthcoming game against Southampton with the possible comeback of these important defenders.