Mikel Arteta has provided key updates on his Arsenal squad as the Gunners prepare for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace. The spotlight, once again, is on Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, whose fitness concerns could impact the club’s final push for domestic and European glory.
As the Premier League season enters its decisive phase, Arsenal finds themselves managing not only fixture congestion but also injury worries that could derail their momentum. Chief among those concerns is Dutch defender Jurrien Timber, whose recent absence raised eyebrows among fans.
Timber was not listed in the matchday squad that hosted Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium, sparking fears of a setback. Arteta clarified post-match that Timber had suffered a knock in training and was left out as a precaution. However, his availability for the crucial Champions League second leg against Paris Saint-Germain now hangs in the balance.
“Timber felt something during training,” Arteta confirmed. “We didn’t want to risk him, especially with the PSG game just days away. We’ll assess him further, but right now, it’s 50-50 whether he can make the trip.”
The Gunners will be hoping the injury is not severe, especially considering Timber’s growing influence in the backline. His return from a long-term ACL injury earlier this year had been a major boost, offering versatility and composure in both central defence and at full-back.
But Timber isn’t the only player Arsenal are sweating over. Starboy Bukayo Saka has also been nursing a niggling issue in recent weeks. Though he featured against Bournemouth, his minutes were limited and his performance looked slightly off the pace.
Arteta downplayed any serious concerns regarding Saka, stating the winger was simply being managed carefully due to the congested fixture list. “We have to be smart with Bukayo,” the manager said. “He’s played a lot of football and we need him at his best for these massive games.”
Saka is expected to feature against Crystal Palace, but Arteta hinted that rotation could be necessary to avoid burnout. Arsenal’s squad depth will be tested as they juggle the Premier League title race and Champions League ambitions.
Meanwhile, over in Paris, PSG manager Luis Enrique is taking no chances either. The Spanish tactician made bold choices in his Ligue 1 squad against Strasbourg, resting several key players ahead of Arsenal’s visit.
Notably, Enrique left Ousmane Dembélé out of the 19-man squad. The French winger continues to recover from a hamstring injury and his chances of featuring against Arsenal remain slim. PSG are keeping medical details close to the chest, but the signs are not encouraging.
Enrique also rested big names including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, and Marquinhos during their 2-1 loss to Strasbourg. The decision clearly signals where the club’s focus lies — a must-win semi-final clash that could define their season.
Arsenal will travel to Paris with cautious optimism, knowing PSG’s lineup might not be at full strength. However, they too are grappling with injury uncertainties and fatigue that could level the playing field.
Beyond Timber and Saka, Arsenal fans have also expressed concern about the general workload of players like Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, both of whom have been ever-presents this season. Arteta may be forced into strategic rotation in the coming days.