Mikel Arteta believes Jurion Timber may still be a part of Arsenal’s Premier League title run-in despite not playing since August.
The defender is back in contention for Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth and has returned to fitness after picking up a serious knee injury on his league debut against Nottingham Forest.
After returning to training and improving his fitness levels by featuring for the Under-21s, Arteta revealed the 22-year-old will be part of his squad against Cherries.
“Everyone is fit and available so now it’s a headache to make the right choice,” he said.
Asked if the return of the Timbers could give the squad a timely boost as the title fight looms in the final three weeks, Arteta added: “Yes, because it increases the quality of the training sessions.
“You see how much of a commander he is, his leadership, his quality and everything else they have to carry and they start demanding more from each other and they look at each other and say, ‘I’m better. Because I want to play and it is very positive for the squad.
“It’s difficult because there are only three games to go and he’s missing eight months of football.
“He’s only played 150 minutes of football with the Under-21s, that’s a question that can only be resolved by throwing him on the pitch and we’ll see what happens, we’ll try to follow that decision. It has to be done.”
Arsenal moved a point clear of Manchester City at the top of the table at the weekend, although the Gunners have played more games.
Victory over Bournemouth would at least mean they stay top until the final week of the campaign as Arsenal aim for their first title in 20 years.
Gabriel Jesus won four league titles at City before joining Arsenal in 2022, but there have been suggestions he could be put up for sale again this summer.
Arteta, though, was quick to dismiss such rumors and was coy when asked if he had any intention of leaving the Brazil forward.
“No, no. I don’t know where it’s coming from,” he said.
Arsenal were eventually beaten again by City despite leading for most of the season, when a last-gasp winner at Bournemouth kept hopes alive.
Reiss Nelson scored a stoppage-time goal as Arsenal came from two goals down to win – but Arteta will be more than happy to have a straighter result this time.
“I have a different game in mind for tomorrow,” he said.
“But we have to perform really well and play our best and if we do that we have a really good chance of winning the game.
“When you leave it that late, you’re less likely to win the match. We’ve been better at deciding early matches this season.
“It’s probably a good sign for the team that they can control games and decide them early. Hopefully we can do the same in the deciding fixtures.
Credit : www.independent.co.uk
