Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that the injury to Jurrien Timber is a “huge blow” for the club.
The Dutch defender, who is a new signing from Ajax, is likely to be sidelined for several months after suffering an acute cruciate ligament injury in the Gunners’ 2-1 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Despite the massive setback, Arteta says the club needs to move on without the 22-year-old.
“It’s a huge blow, especially for him having just joined the club to have the injury that he has,” the Spaniard said. “It’s a huge disappointment for him. Obviously for the team, it’s a big blow because we recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident, and he’s not going to able to do the season for us. We have to adapt, these things happen unfortunately, and we have to move on.”
Gutted to share my injury is more serious than expected, especially after the warm welcome I've received. I wanted to repay you on the pitch, which will not be possible for the forthcoming period. Thanks for making me feel at home and see you at The Carpet ???????? #COYG pic.twitter.com/m1lBqzMKJd
— Jurrien Timber (@JurrienTimber) August 16, 2023
Arteta suggested that Arsenal could dip their hands into the transfer market following Timber’s injury in a season the Gunners are tipped to challenge for the title once again after last season’s second-place finish.
“We have to assess now what the options are, what the best way is to get the best out of the players that we have,” he continued.
“As I said, my biggest challenge now is to get the best out of the players that we have, I can’t control anything that is not here. We are always open, we have to be always open to react if something happens, not only with an injury but with the market as well. And that’s what we’re doing.
“Again, my focus is on just getting the best out of the squad that we have right now. We are in the middle of the competition, we are open always in the transfer market both ways, because we still have things to do, both ways maybe. But that’s my aim.”
Arsenal’s next Premier League game is away at Crystal Palace on Monday night, the day after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final between England and Arteta’s country Spain.
