Why Jurrien Timber missed Arsenal’s clash with Bournemouth in the Premier League

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Arsenal face Bournemouth in their final Premier League clash before travelling to Paris to play at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

Paris Saint-Germain beat Arsenal 1-0 in midweek, courtesy of a fourth-minute strike from Ousmane Dembele.

This result has given the Gunners a mountain to climb in the second leg, while Mikel Arteta’s side also still need to ensure they secure their place in the Champions League for next season by finishing in the Premier League’s top five.

Surprisingly, Arteta named a strong team for the clash with the Cherries, although there was no room in the squad for Jurrien Timber.

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Jurrien Timber not in Arsenal squad to face Bournemouth

Timber has struggled with on-and-off injuries this season, having recovered from an ACL tear that he sustained at the beginning of the last campaign.

However, he’s still been Arsenal’s primary right-back, with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu sidelined for much of the season with more severe fitness issues.

The Dutchman limped off during the PSG game, replaced late on by White, who was named in the starting eleven for the visit of Bournemouth.

According to Football.London, Timber’s absence from the squad was mostly precautionary, missing out due to the minor knock he sustained against the French side.

It’s understood that the issue isn’t serious, and that the club are optimistic that the former Ajax man will be fit enough to feature on Wednesday.

Arsenal team news vs Bournemouth

Arteta has rotated heavily in recent league matches, looking to rest players ahead of the Champions League games.

However, the Spaniard opted against fielding a weaker side against Bournemouth, presumably due to the reduced gap that the sides below Arsenal have managed to claw back.

The Gunners need a result, so Arteta clearly felt he needed his strongest team on the pitch.

Leandro Trossard retained his place up front, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli started either side of him.

Mikel Merino was the only significant name other than Timber to be taken out of the side, with Thomas Partey returning following his midweek suspension.