Following the unfortunate revelation of Jurrien Timber’s ACL injury that will keep him sidelined for a significant portion of the season, Mikel Arteta expresses empathy for our recently joined recruit, who had been eagerly anticipating his Premier League debut with us.
During the match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, the Dutch defender had to be substituted off in the second half due to what appeared to be a serious injury. Regrettably, subsequent scans during the week confirmed the worst fears.
Jurrien will now undergo surgery and embark on a path of rehabilitation to return to the field, but Mikel acknowledges that it will be a considerable duration before we witness him donning the red and white jersey once more.
Sharing his sentiments, the manager stated, “This is a significant setback, particularly for Jurrien, who had just joined the club. Suffering this injury is profoundly disappointing for him. Moreover, for the team, it’s a substantial blow because his acquisition was accompanied by clear intentions, and his contributions were evident. Unfortunately, he won’t be available for us this season. We must adapt; such occurrences are, unfortunately, a part of the game, and we must move forward.”
“Jurrien has shown remarkable resilience. He possesses a unique character and has begun to grasp the gravity of the injury and the extensive recovery period. Despite this, he’s maintaining a positive outlook. We stand united to support him, and our support network is strong, but this will be a lengthy journey.”
When questioned during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Crystal Palace encounter about the possibility of delving back into the transfer market to address the issue, Arteta expressed confidence in the existing pool of players at his disposal, ready to step up.
Regarding potential transfers, he articulated, “My primary focus is on maximizing the resources within our current team to continue executing our game plan. Undoubtedly, [Jurrien] offered distinct qualities that impacted our versatility on both sides. Nevertheless, unforeseen situations like this arise, and we must be prepared.”
“This is an opportunity for everyone. We’ll require the collective effort of all players, as each one holds importance. Our squad numbers, especially in these positions, have become more restricted. Hence, every individual must be prepared.”
By – Sahiba Suri