The defender is in a race to be fit for the Premier League opener next weekend

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Jurrien Timber is struggling with a foot injury.

The defender was left out of the squad for the Gunners’ 4-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday and it is the second pre-season match in a row he has missed.

Arteta has explained Timber is dealing with a foot issue, which is understood to be down to load management.

The Dutchman has been out for a year after a knee injury and is working his way back to full fitness after an extended period out of action.

“With Jurrien he had a little discomfort in his foot the last few days,” said Arteta. “After the amount of time he has been out, we did not want to take any risks with him.”

Jurrien Timber

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Timber missed out on Wednesday’s win over Leverkusen, but Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice made their comebacks.

The pair have been on an extended break after helping England reach the final of Euro 2024 this summer.

Rice and Saka started on the bench against Leverkusen, however they came on at half-time and Arteta hinted they would be raring to go when Arsenal begin their Premier League season at home to Wolves a week on Saturday.

“The season starts in nine or 10 days so they have to be ready,” he said. “These are the demands they have right now. We really look after them when they are with us, when we have the ability to give them days off we do. We gave them days off before the start of the Euros and we have given them the rest that they needed.

“The best thing to do is to look in their faces and there is that spark in their eyes, to come back and say: ‘I don’t want to miss it because I know how hard it is going to be.’ That is the best sign, that the players want it.”

Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz

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Saka, Rice and other senior players missing parts of pre-season has allowed young players the chance to shine.

Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have seized the opportunity – and Arteta has praised the 17-year-old’s performances.

“If they continue like they are doing right now, it’s not going to have any difference whether they come from the academy or if we signed them from Argentina, Germany or Italy,” he said.

“They are showing the qualities that they have. They are especially showing personality they have to play at this level. Let’s see. We’re not going to put any restrictions, it’s the opposite. If they deserve minutes, they will get minutes.”