Arteta delivers bad news to Arsenal just before the new season

Arsenal is still dealing with a defensive squad issue as Mikel Arteta confirms that Jurriën Timber requires additional weeks for recovery and is not ready to come back early.

Mikel Arteta confirms that Jurriën Timber still needs a few more weeks to complete his recovery process, causing Arsenal to face an additional personnel challenge in defense.

Jurriën Timber cannot return to the Arsenal squad as soon as expected. Coach Mikel Arteta said the Dutch defender is recovering positively but still needs a 'few more weeks' before he can play again.

Timber was once expected to be available for the Community Shield match against Manchester City on August 16. However, Arteta's latest comments indicate that this plan is unlikely to materialize. “Jurriën is progressing very well. He has returned to the pitch and is doing quite a lot of exercises, but he will still need a few more weeks to come back. I cannot say exactly how long yet,” Arteta said.

This is not very positive news for Arsenal as Timber has spent a long time struggling with injuries. An ankle problem once caused him to miss a crucial period at the end of last season. Although he managed to return and come off the bench in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, Timber has not yet achieved a stable physical condition.

After that, the versatile defender was called up to the Netherlands national team for the 2026 World Cup but had to leave the squad during preparation due to a groin injury. This caused Timber's recovery process to continue to be prolonged.

Arsenal's difficulties are even greater as William Saliba is also sidelined. The French center-back suffered a back injury during the World Cup semi-final against Spain. “Willy is currently in a resting phase. For two weeks, he has hardly done anything to avoid aggravating the injury. The recovery process will take time,” Arteta shared.

The fact that both Timber and Saliba are not yet able to return leaves Arsenal facing a major defensive personnel problem right before the new season.