Why Arsenal star Jurrien Timber was substituted vs PSG as Mikel Arteta makes ‘unbelievable’ claim

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Arsenal recorded an impressive 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Champions League football returned to the Emirates for the first time in the 2024/25 calendar as Mikel Arteta’s side put on quite the show for those in N5. 

Arsenal beat Luis Enrique’s spirited PSG outfit comprehensively, outclassing the Ligue 1 leaders in all areas of the game. 

While there were endless positives to take from the dominant victory, there was one concern that left many worried during the fixture. 

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Mikel Arteta shares Jurrien Timber update after PSG win

The first half undoubtedly belonged to Arsenal’s fullbacks, as both Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori shone on the flanks. 

It was a remarkable showing from both players however, Timber’s night was cut short as the Dutchman did not return for the second half.

A lot of anxiety set in as it was announced that Jakub Kiwior had replaced the 2023 signing at the interval, with Arteta now sharing his reason for taking Timber off. 

• READ MORE: Riccardo Calafiori has Arsenal fans all talking about what he was doing against PSG, it’s ‘unheard of’

Speaking to the media after the game, the Arsenal manager confirmed that the fullback was withdrawn due to an injury concern.

“He was unbelievable in the first half but he felt something muscular and he wasn’t certain,” Arteta explained.

“He’s played more minutes than we would have wanted in the past few weeks and we have to manage him.”

The manager’s acknowledgement of Timber’s recent playing time rings true, with the defender only recently returning from an ACL injury.

Arsenal must tread carefully around Timber

Suffering an ACL injury on his Premier League debut back in 2023 was the worst possible start for Timber at Arsenal.

The Dutchman subsequently spent almost a year out of action, making fans wait to consistently see him in action. 

• READ MORE: What Mikel Arteta did to every Arsenal player at full-time after PSG sent clear Champions League warning

Quickly, Timber has shown Arsenal what they were missing in his absence, which makes him exciting to watch but also reinforces why he must be eased in gradually.

The 23-year-old is quickly becoming one of the Gunners most important players, with every action needing to be taken to ensure he spends no further time on the sidelines.