- Timber produced another fine display before he was forced off against PSG
- Dutchman missed almost all of last season with a knee injury sustained on debut
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Jurrien Timber was substituted at half-time of Arsenal‘s 2-0 Champions League win over PSG after feeling ‘something muscular’, Mikel Arteta has confirmed.
The Dutchman’s absence from the team that came out for the second period was a surprise, given his recent form and assured display on Tuesday night against the dangerous Bradley Barcola.
But with an intense schedule that sees Arsenal take on Southampton on Saturday afternoon before the next international break, the decision was taken not to risk him after the interval, with the home side already enjoying a commanding lead.
‘He was unbelievable.’ Arteta said post-match. ‘He felt something muscular and we didn’t want to take any risks. He has played a lot of minutes in the last few weeks and we have to manage it.’
Timber’s debut campaign was cruelly cut short by a serious knee injury sustained just 45 minutes in, and this term Arteta has wasted no time in using the versatile defender, starting him seven times in all competitions.
Jurrien Timber was forced off at the break of Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League win over PSG
Mikel Arteta confirmed that the Dutch defender felt ‘something muscular’ and the decision was taken not to risk him in the second period
Timber’s issue, which the Gunners hope will be nothing more than a niggle, comes a day after he became the latest high-profile player to speak out against the current football calendar.
Earlier this month, Manchester City midfielder Rodri claimed that players may be forced to go on strike, while Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson – who missed 15 games with a hamstring injury last season – has also expressed his concern.
Rodri has since ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out of action for the rest of the season.
‘To be honest, I totally agree with them.’ The 23-year-old told reporters ahead of the visit of PSG. ‘It’s a big topic at the moment in dressing rooms, not only at City and Liverpool, but also our dressing room.
‘I honestly think it’s a dangerous thing. Last week we played City, and they played again two days later, and that’s too much. I understand why players are complaining.
‘It’s a really good point. The players are speaking right now and let their voices be heard. It doesn’t look like it’s getting any less (busy) at the moment.
‘We’re just trying to be there every game to give our best, but it gets hard when the games keep coming and coming. Especially in England without having a winter break, it’s really hard.
‘I didn’t play last season, so I’m just enjoying playing right now – you won’t hear me complaining – but I totally understand what they’re saying.’
On Monday Timber became the latest high-profile player to speak out against the ever-increasing football calendar
Manchester City star Rodri, who has since ruptured his ACL and will miss the rest of the season, also spoke out against the schedule
On Tuesday night, Arsenal recorded their first win of their Champions League campaign, in what is the maiden season of the revamped competition. Last term teams played six games in the group stage, but that has been increased to eight since the format change.
Furthermore, teams that finish between ninth and 24th in the expanded ‘league phase’ now need to compete in an extra two-legged play-off round to try to reach the round of 16.
Chelsea and Man City are also set to compete in an expanded FIFA Club World Cup next summer, taking place in the USA between June 15 and July 13.
