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Arsenal are set to host Bayer Leverkusen in the Emirates Cup in one of two friendly games before the Premier League season starts, but they are already facing problems.
Takehiro Tomiyasu looks set to miss the game as he continues yet another injury absence after picking up a problem before Arsenal’s USA pre-season tour.
Oleksandr Zinchenko continued to disappoint in defensive situations in Arsenal’s friendly defeat to Liverpool, whilst Jakub Kiwior has been linked with a move away.
This meant that the impressive Jurrien Timber, back from his anterior cruciate ligament injury which kept him out for almost the entirety of last season, looked set to start at left-back against Leverkusen at the Emirates.
However, he now looks set to miss the clash, and this is a worry for Mikel Arteta.
Jurrien Timber of Arsenal FC controls the ball during Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at SoFi Stadium on July 27…
Jurrien Timber suffers injury problem during Arsenal pre-season
Timber missed the friendly defeat to Liverpool after starting at centre-back in the previous games, as a precaution over his workload as Arsenal aims to manage his injury recovery carefully.
Rumours spread on X that Timber was not spotted on the team bus with the rest of the squad ahead of Leverkusen’s visit to the Emirates, and journalist Gary Jacob revealed that Timber has a problem.
“Timber has been struggling with a load-bearing injury,” he posted in response to a claim that Timber was absent.
What is a load-bearing injury, and how will it affect Jurrien Timber?
Load-bearing refers to someone’s ability to bear weight on a joint or a limb, and it is particularly important to manage this after an ACL injury like Timber had.
An injury of this nature could impact Timber’s ability to support weight or move normally, so even if this is a minor issue, it is one which would rule him out of immediate action.
Arsenal have to be extremely careful in managing Timber’s workload as he continues his recovery, and any major setback could be damaging. If Timber is struggling with a load-bearing injury to his knee, then it is right that he does not play, no matter how minor the issue.
Arsenal fans will have to be patient over Timber. Despite returning on the final day of last season, he may take some time to build up his full fitness and hit top form.
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