Why Jurrien Timber missed Arsenal vs Brighton clash in the Premier League | Football

Jurrien Timber was a surprise omission from Arsenal’s squad to face Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.

The was no indication from Mikel Arteta in the build-up to the game that Timber would be unavailable for selection against the Seagulls.

But ahead of kick-off at the Emirates, Arsenal boss Arteta revealed why Timber, one of his most important players, was not named in the squad.

Quizzed about the right-back’s absence, Arteta explained that Timber suffered an injury in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace.

‘In the last part of the [Palace] game [on Tuesday], he felt something and could not carry on,’ Arteta said. ‘So, he’s out.’

Timber’s absence against Brighton, along with that of Ben White, meant that there was no recognised right-back in Arsenal’s matchday squad.

He played the full 90 minutes in the quarter-final against Palace four days ago, which Arsenal won on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.

The 24-year-old Dutchman has been one of Arsenal’s top performers this season, playing in all 17 top-flight games before the clash with Brighton.

More to follow…

MORE: Chelsea ‘monitoring’ £35m former Arsenal target ahead of January transfer window

MORE: Arsenal vs Brighton LIVE: Premier League latest score and goal updates

MORE: Roy Keane names Man Utd star who was ‘outstanding’ in win over Newcastle