Arsenal: 6 winners and 3 losers from Jurrien Timber injury return
By Kian Long
Jurrien Timber is thought to be on the mend and he should soon be fighting for his place in the Arsenal team again. This is incredible news and fans should be over the moon. Given that the Dutch defender was injured on the first Premier League match of the season, the Jurrien Timber injury return will certainly feel like a new signing.
Arsenal: 3 winners and 3 losers from Jurrien Timber injury return
But does everyone benefit? Well, let's take a look at the 3 winners and 3 losers from Jurrien Timber's injury return...
Winners - William Saliba and Gabriel
The two Arsenal centre-backs who seem to have formed an unbreakable bond will benefit from the return of Jurrien Timber, for two reasons.
Firstly, they will get more defensive cover. Although the Arsenal defence has been pretty flawless since the turn of the calendar year, any helping hand from a defensive full-back who can invert will come in handy.
Secondly, Timber is able to play at centre-back as well, so if there is ever a need to form a back-three, Timber could be the third centre-back.
Loser - Oleksandr Zinchenko
You'd think Zinchenko's immense versatility would make him untouchable, right? Wrong.
Arsenal's midfield is pretty nailed on, so Zinchenko's abilities are best used at left-back. Timber can also play as a left-back when necessary, so Zinchenko is under even more pressure to act. Given that Zinny has made just 3 appearances in 2024, it doesn't look good for him.
Continued on the next slide...