Arsenal star banned for Premier League clash after Mikel Arteta receives blow vs Brentford

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Shortly after Arsenal fell behind against Brentford on New Year’s Day, Mikel Arteta was delivered another frustrating blow. 

Arsenal went into this game needing a win in order to keep some pressure on Liverpool. The Reds are currently in command as far as the Premier League title race is concerned. 

Arsenal had Jurrien Timber on the verge of suspension going into this game. The Dutch defender was one booking away from a one-match ban in the Premier League when this game kicked off at the Gtech Community Stadium.

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber from his height to his brothers

Jurrien Timber suffers blow during Arsenal vs Brentford

After Bryan Mbeumo put the Bees ahead against the run of play in the first half, Mikel Arteta was dealt another frustrating setback just moments later. 

With 17 minutes on the clock, Timber was shown a yellow card for a clumsy challenge. This booking means that the former Ajax man will now be unavailable for selection when the Gunners take on Brighton next time out in the Premier League. 

As Ben White is out of action having undergone surgery, Arteta will now have a real dilemma on his hands when it comes to selecting a right-back for Saturday’s trip to the south coast.

How Arsenal can replace Timber vs Brighton

White would have been the obvious choice to take the Netherlands international’s place for this game.

However, with that alternative not available to Arteta, the Spanish coach will have to do with a more makeshift deputy.

Thomas Partey, although a midfielder by trade, has filled in at right-back several times in the recent past and is the most likely candidate to replace Timber against the Seagulls. 

However, Arteta might instead turn to Hale End academy ace Josh Nichols, having afforded a senior debut to the 18-year-old in the EFL Cup earlier this season. 

Alternatively, Riccardo Calafiori has briefly cameoed at right-back this season, and if the Italian full-back was shifted across to the opposite flank then Myles Lewis-Skelly could return to the starting XI at left-back.