BREAKING NEWS Six Arsenal players have been identified as potential replacements for 23-year-old defender Jurrien Timber, who is facing injury concerns ahead of the match against Southampton.

Mikel Arteta may need to replace Jurrien Timber for Arsenal’s upcoming match against Southampton, and he has six possible substitutes to consider.

Timber was substituted at halftime during Arsenal’s Champions League match against PSG after putting in a solid defensive performance, where he successfully contained PSG’s Bradley Barcola on the right flank. Jakub Kiwior replaced him in the second half.
When asked about Timber’s condition in the post-match press conference, Arteta was cautious but admitted the extent of the issue was unclear. Arteta praised Timber’s first-half performance but explained that the defender felt something in his muscle and didn’t want to risk further injury.

After spending a year recovering from injury, Timber has played more minutes than initially planned, and Arteta emphasized the need to monitor him closely to avoid aggravating his condition. Timber may need additional time to recover, especially with the recent international break.

Ben White missed Tuesday night’s game against PSG due to his absence from the final training session. White has been recovering from a knee injury, and while he missed the last three matches, he made a brief appearance against Manchester City to help secure Arsenal’s win. If White regains full fitness, Arteta could reintroduce him into the lineup.

If White remains unavailable, Arteta may stick with the approach used against PSG, where Riccardo Calafiori moved to the right side, and Kiwior replaced Timber. Calafiori demonstrated his versatility during the match, playing multiple positions effectively, a quality Arteta admired. Arteta commended Calafiori for his energy, bravery, and commitment in defense.

Another option for Arteta would be to deploy Thomas Partey as a right back, a strategy used last season when Gabriel was injured. Partey, along with William Saliba and White in the center-back roles, provided solid coverage in defense. Once Mikel Merino is fully fit, he and Declan Rice could anchor the midfield, freeing Partey to shift to right back if needed.

Other potential options include Josh Nichols, who, despite struggling in the Carabao Cup, could be called up. Josh Robinson, a center-back who can also play right back, might also feature. Finally, Takehiro Tomiyasu remains a viable candidate, pending his fitness.
Mikel Arteta faces a potential dilemma regarding Jurrien Timber’s fitness ahead of Arsenal’s match against Southampton. After a solid performance against PSG, Timber was substituted at halftime due to discomfort in his muscle, raising concerns about his availability. Here are six possible substitutes Arteta could consider for the right-back position:

1. **Ben White**: If he has recovered from his knee injury, White could return to the lineup. He has experience in the role and has previously performed well, but his fitness will be crucial.

2. **Jakub Kiwior**: Having replaced Timber in the second half against PSG, Kiwior could be a natural choice. He has shown versatility and resilience, and Arteta may trust him to step up again.

3. **Riccardo Calafiori**: After demonstrating his adaptability in the match against PSG, Calafiori could shift to the right side if Timber is unavailable. His energy and commitment in defense were praised by Arteta, making him a reliable option.

4. **Thomas Partey**: Arteta could opt to deploy Partey at right back, a tactic he utilized effectively last season. This would allow for a strong defensive setup with Saliba and White (if fit) in central roles, freeing up the midfield for Mikel Merino and Declan Rice.

5. **Josh Nichols**: Although he had a tough outing in the Carabao Cup, Nichols could be called up. His experience could be valuable, especially if other options are unavailable.

6. **Josh Robinson**: As a center-back who can also play right back, Robinson offers flexibility and could step in if needed. His defensive capabilities could add depth to the backline.

7. **Takehiro Tomiyasu**: If fit, Tomiyasu is a strong candidate. Known for his defensive skills and versatility, he could provide a solid option in Timber’s absence.

Arteta will need to assess each player’s fitness and performance levels leading up to the match to determine the best replacement for Timber.