Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta dismissed fears that defender Jurrien Timber suffered a fresh injury setback after leaving the Dutch full-back out of the matchday squad for a 4-2 Carabao Cup victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road, according to a pre-match interview with Sky Sports reported by Metro. Timber recently returned from a five-month absence due to a groin problem sustained in March, making his first appearance of the season in a 2-0 win against Sunderland.
Arteta Cites Fitness Management Behind Timber Omission
According to Mikel Arteta’s statements to Sky Sports via Metro, Timber was rested simply to manage his workload following a demanding return to competitive action. The 25-year-old played 53 minutes against Sunderland over the weekend, exceeding the coaching staff’s immediate target for his reintegration. Arteta stated that the club must look after the defender carefully as the Gunners prepare for a Premier League fixture against Brighton on Saturday, confirming that no new injury occurred.
How Arsenal Covered the Right-Back Position Against Ipswich
With both Timber and Ben White unavailable, Arteta deployed midfielder Martin Zubimendi as a makeshift right-back during the Carabao Cup tie. Zubimendi joined a modified defensive line alongside Marli Salmon, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Max Dowman opened the scoring for Arsenal with a solo effort, while Noni Madueke added a second before halftime. Dowman completed a brace and Mikel Merino also scored in the second half to secure the win, despite responses from Ipswich players Anis Mehmeti and Chuba Akpom.
Fatigue Management Affects Other Arsenal Selections
Jurrien Timber was not the only notable absentee from the Arsenal team sheet at Portman Road. According to Metro’s reporting, defender Piero Hincapie also missed the match due to accumulated fatigue. Arteta explained that several squad members were carrying minor physical issues that required rest, allowing fresher players to rotate into the starting lineup for the mid-week cup fixture.
