Liam Duckstein
Arsenal preparations for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Sunderland have been disrupted by another potential injury blow. Following their EFL Cup semi final success over Chelsea, which secured a 4-2 aggregate win and a place in the final against Manchester City, the Gunners are grappling with a thinning squad.
Jurrien Timber Joins Mounting Injury List
During an open training session on Thursday morning, Jurrien Timber was the most notable absentee from the first team group. The Netherlands international has been a permanent fixture in the lineup recently, completing 90 minutes in both the Chelsea victory and the 4-0 win over Leeds United. His absence suggests a significant doubt for the weekend match at the Emirates Stadium.
The defensive concern adds to an already crowded treatment room. Mikel Merino faces a long term absence with a foot injury, while high profile duo Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard also missed the session. Neither Saka nor Odegaard featured in the midweek win, leaving the squad depleted in key creative and defensive areas.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard not involved in Arsenal open training this morning. But also no Jurrien Timber in training either.
Questioning the Heavy Workload
Jurrien Timber has been one of the most utilized players in the squad this season. He has accumulated 2,646 minutes on the pitch, trailing only David Raya and Martin Zubimendi in total playing time for the 2025-26 campaign. His durability has been impressive, missing only one game in December due to an ankle problem while contributing 3 goals and 5 assists from 34 appearances.
The potential injury has sparked debate regarding squad rotation. Ben White remains a ready replacement, yet he has been restricted to just 5 Premier League starts this term. Between mid September and the end of November, White remained on the bench for 10 consecutive league games. If Timber is sidelined by muscle fatigue, scrutiny will fall on the decision to rely so heavily on the Dutchman while leaving White among the reserves.
Current Arsenal Availability Snapshot
| Player | Injury Status | Minutes Played (25/26) |
|---|---|---|
| Jurrien Timber | Doubtful (Training Absence) | 2,646 |
While Arsenal enter the fixture with three consecutive wins and back to back clean sheets, the lack of depth at right back could finally force a change. Should Timber fail to recover in time, Ben White will likely receive a rare starting opportunity to prove his worth in the Premier League rotation. Stay updated on the latest squad fitness news with TipsGG.