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Jurrien Timber will not play a part in Arsenal's clash with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon, despite attending the Emirates Stadium.
As a result of the Dutchman being pictured entering the stadium, many Gunners fans will have expected to see his name on Mikel Arteta's team sheet for the fixture. However, when the line-ups were announced an hour and a quarter ahead of kick-off, Timber wasn't even on the bench.
No reason for Timber's absence in the match has been given at the time of writing. In other team news, Gabriel was announced as being on the bench for the fixture following a lengthy lay-off.
The Brazilian has been out of action for his club since the November international break, when he picked up an injury against Senegal at the Emirates Stadium. Speaking about the centre-half's availability during his pre-match press conference earlier this week, Arteta explained: "We'll have to wait and see.
"He hasn't trained yet, he's still doing his rehab. But hopefully as quickly as possible because we know the situation that we have in the back line."
Piero Hincapie has also returned to the starting XI to face Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton on Saturday. The Ecuadorian was doubtful headed into the clash, given he sustained a shoulder injury against Everton last weekend which forced him out of the Gunners' midweek Carabao Cup clash with Crystal Palace, in which, the North London side ran out winners after a tense penalty shootout.
More to follow...
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