Jurrien Timber facing suspension concern as Arsenal consider North London Derby plan

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Jurrien Timber could miss Arsenal's North London Derby as suspension concerns are on the rise

Arsenal might have just seven games in the new Premier League season under their belt; however, they still have some concerns over a couple of their squad members and potential suspensions. Riccardo Calafiori is the most notable, already having picked up three yellow cards.

Premier League rules dictate that players who accumulate five bookings before the 20th matchday will incur a one-match ban. Last season, Jurrien Timber served his one-match suspension after picking up a fifth yellow card on the 19th matchday.

Arsenal then had to go to Brighton with Thomas Partey at right-back and Ben White out injured. The game ended 1-1, and the Gunners lost vital points in the title race.

Timber already has two yellows and is therefore just three away from another one-game ban. He must therefore avoid picking up these additional bookings in the next twelve games.

However, the North London Derby is on the horizon, with four games against Fulham (A), Crystal Palace (H), Burnley (A), and Sunderland (A) to come before their bitter rivals come to the Emirates. Timber could accrue three yellows in these next four games and potentially miss the vital tie.

Arsenal also play Chelsea the following weekend, which is another game Timber will not want to miss. One of his first five bookings last season did indeed come against Tottenham, while the other came against Palace, whom Arsenal face next week.

Losing Timber has been damaging in the past; however, Ben White is believed to be fit this time. This means Arteta could rotate Timber out of two of the next four Premier League games, starting White and preventing the risk of a booking.

Cristhian Mosquera has also shown to be a competent option for the role. It might seem an extreme measure, but with Arsenal leading the way at the top of the Premier League table, Arteta cannot afford any slip-ups, and caution is absolutely a viable consideration.