Jurrien Timber posts cryptic Arsenal update as Mikel Arteta sweats on injury decision

• Arsenal
• Arsenal News
• Arsenal

Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of defender Jurrien Timber ahead of Tuesday night's Premier League clash with Aston Villa

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has shared a cryptic update ahead of the Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Tuesday evening.

Mikel Arteta ’s side are back in action this week as they look to continue their charge towards the Premier League title. They are currently top of the standings but are only two points clear of nearest challengers Man City.

Villa could even move level on points with the Gunners this evening if Unai Emery ’s side are to record another momentous win. Should that be the case, Arsenal would remain top on goal difference, but it would open the door for City to leapfrog them later this week when they travel away to Sunderland.

One player Arteta will hope to have back fit and available is right-back Timber. The Dutchman has been integral for the Gunners this season, with three goals and three assists in his 24 appearances across all competitions so far.

However, Timber was not included in the squad that narrowly beat Brighton last weekend. A strike from Martin Odegaard and an own goal from Georginio Rutter were enough to seal a crucial three points for the league leaders.

Arteta confirmed the reason for Timber’s absence was an issue picked up in the latter stages of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup quarter-final penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace before Christmas. Instead, Declan Rice deputised at full-back in Timber’s absence.

The games are coming thick and fast, so it remains to be seen whether the defender will be fit and ready in time for the clash with Villa this evening. He has, however, shared his usual pre-match social media post, in which he references bible scripture.

Whether that is a hint towards his involvement remains to be seen, but Arteta could certainly do with the squad boost ahead of such a crucial run of games. Not only are Arsenal taking on potential title challengers Villa, but they must then prepare for a tricky away test at Bournemouth this weekend.

Then comes the visit of Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium next week, followed by a run of domestic cup fixtures, including a trip to Portsmouth in the third round of the FA Cup. They will also face Chelsea in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie a few days later.

Aside from Timber, Arteta is also sweating over the fitness of another defender in Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian withdrew from the warm-up ahead of the game against Brighton last weekend after feeling some discomfort.

It also remains to be seen whether the likes of Kai Havertz and Ben White are back available for selection, having both spent time on the sidelines with injury.