Arsenal Defender's International Scare
Arsenal supporters received an unwelcome fright during the international break when defender Jurrien Timber required treatment for a knee problem while representing the Netherlands against Lithuania on Monday night. The right-back sustained a visible cut to his leg during the first half, prompting immediate attention from the team's physios.
Despite the concerning incident, which evoked memories of the serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury Timber suffered shortly after joining Arsenal, the defender demonstrated considerable resilience. He continued to play through the discomfort before being substituted just after the hour mark, with the Netherlands comfortably managing the match.
Social Media Message Offers Reassurance
In a move that will calm nerves at the Emirates, Timber later took to Instagram to post a positive update. Alongside several action shots from his international duty, the defender wrote a succinct, seven-word message: "We made it, see you in 2026 [love heart emoji]."
This communication strongly suggests the issue is not serious and that Timber expects to be fully available for selection when club football resumes. His ability to play on after the initial knock and his upbeat social media post indicate the problem was likely minor, allaying fears of a significant setback ahead of Sunday's high-stakes derby.
Broader Injury Context for Arsenal
The scare concerning Jurrien Timber is not an isolated incident for Mikel Arteta's squad during this international period. Fellow defender Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off with a groin injury while playing for Brazil in a friendly against Senegal at the Emirates Stadium itself.
Subsequent medical examinations confirmed a muscle injury to his right thigh, ruling him out of Brazil's following match. In Italy, another defensive option, Riccardo Calafiori, has been following a separate training programme due to a hip issue, though he is still anticipated to be fit for the weekend.
This comes amidst a season where several key players, including Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard, have faced various fitness concerns. The potential availability of Timber is therefore a significant boost as Arsenal prepares to host their arch-rivals.
The North London Derby kicks off at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with Michael Oliver appointed as the match referee. He will be assisted by Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring, with Michael Salisbury as the fourth official. The VAR team at Stockley Park will be led by Stuart Attwell and Constantine Hatzidakis.
