Mikel Arteta delivers update on Gabriel & Jurrien Timber as Arsenal suffer huge double injury blow in Liverpool draw

Arsenal have had a number of injury issues in their defensive line this season, and could be in for more misery, with Timber and Gabriel picking up knocks during Sunday’s draw with Liverpool at the Emirates. Gabriel went down after a collision with Darwin Nunez, and while he was initially able to play on, the Brazilian was unable to complete the game and was replaced by Jakub Kiwior in the 53rd minute. Timber, meanwhile, was making his first appearance after a month out, and potentially suffered a relapse after his recovery was expedited by Arteta, limping off before the final stages of the game. The Arsenal boss delivered an update on both players when speaking to the media, but couldn’t give any firm timeframe on their respective recoveries.

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  WHAT ARTETA SAID

  Arteta said: “I think we’ve done everything we could to accelerate that process. He [Timber] was so willing. The team and the medical staff have done a great job. We gave ourselves the chance to compete. I don’t know the extent of the injury if there is one. The same with big Gabi. Continue to go.”

  When pressed on the severity of Gabriel’s injury, Arteta added: “I don’t know but he could not run. I don’t know what happened. I don’t know if it’s the knee joint or the ankle. They’re assessing him now.”
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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After a strong start to the season, Arsenal have been struggling for form as they have fallen down the Premier League standings. Currently, Arteta’s side sit third in the rankings, five points adrift of leaders Manchester City and four behind Liverpool. Arteta also saw summer signing Riccardo Calafiori sidelined with an injury in the Champions League last week and it is not yet known when the Italian defender will be fit to return.

  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  The Gunners will be back in action when they take on Preston North End in the Carabao Cup round of 16 on Wednesday, October 30, with Arteta set to ring the changes ahead of his team’s next Premier League outing away at Newcastle.