Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that a muscle problem forced Jurrien Timber off at half time of Tuesday's Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners enjoyed a successful night at the Emirates Stadium, claiming a 2-0 victory following first-half efforts from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
Although Arsenal celebrated their first Champions League win of the season, there was some concern about Timber's physical status following his half-time withdrawal.
The Dutchman was replaced at the interval by Jakub Kiwior after being handed a seventh consecutive start in all competitions.
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Arteta explains reason behind Timber withdrawal
Speaking after the 2-0 victory, Arteta revealed that a muscle problem forced him to withdraw Timber at the half-time interval.
Arteta told reporters "He was unbelievable in the first half, but he felt something muscular, and he wasn't certain.
"So I didn't want to take any risks. He's been out for a year and he's played a lot of minutes, probably more minutes than we would have wanted in the past few weeks and we have to manage him."
Timber missed the majority of his first season with Arsenal after he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in August 2023.
Having made a full recovery, the Netherlands international has enjoyed regular game time in the opening stages of the 2024-25 season, chipping in with one assist in eight competitive matches.
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Timber in race to be fit for the weekend
The Gunners will hope his decision to take Timber off at half time against PSG has helped avoid any significant injury.
The versatile defender will hope to prove his fitness in time for Saturday's Premier League home clash against Southampton.
Timber will also want to be available for Netherlands' upcoming UEFA Nations League matches after being named in Ronald Koeman's initial squad.
The Netherlands are due to face Hungary on October 11, before they travel to Munich for a meeting with Germany on October 14.
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