In a revealing press conference that’s sent shockwaves through the Arsenal fanbase, defender Jurrien Timber has spoken out about the current mood in the dressing room — and admitted that the absence of one key player has left a huge void in the squad.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Arsenal’s next fixture, Timber didn’t hold back as he named the one teammate whose presence, both on and off the pitch, has been sorely missed by everyone at the club. And it’s not Kai Havertz. It’s not Gabriel Magalhães either.
“I miss him every day,” Timber confessed. “It’s only now that he’s out that we realize he’s the pillar of this Arsenal team. Without him, the squad feels useless sometimes.”
While many expected the Dutch international to mention a high-profile name like Martin Ødegaard or Bukayo Saka, Timber instead pointed to midfielder Thomas Partey as the irreplaceable figure Arsenal are struggling without.
“If he were here against PSG, we could have won that match comfortably,” Timber claimed. “He brings balance, he protects us, and he keeps the midfield ticking. We don’t have another player like him.”
The Ghanaian midfielder has spent several weeks sidelined due to injury, and his absence has coincided with Arsenal’s dip in form, particularly in high-pressure games like the recent clash against Paris Saint-Germain, where the Gunners struggled to control the midfield battle.
Timber went on to highlight Partey’s leadership qualities as well:
“He’s not the loudest guy in the room, but when he speaks, everyone listens. His calmness under pressure is something we desperately need right now.”
Fans on social media quickly reacted to Timber’s comments, with many agreeing that Partey’s absence has gone under the radar while the focus remained on other squad members.
Manager Mikel Arteta has yet to comment directly on Timber’s statement but is believed to be keen on getting Partey back to full fitness before Arsenal’s crucial run of fixtures begins.
As it stands, Timber’s emotional tribute has reignited conversations about Partey’s importance to Arsenal’s ambitions this season — and whether the club should be investing in solid backup in future transfer windows.