Arsenal will be without half of their first-choice back four for the start of the Premier League season, manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed.
The Gunners already knew centre back William Saliba would miss the opening weeks after sustaining a back injury on World Cup duty with France. The club had said his issue would require 'a period of rehabilitation,' splitting last season's central defensive pairing of Saliba and Gabriel.
There had been hope that Jurrien Timber, who missed the World Cup with the Netherlands, would be fit in time. But Arteta indicated he remains some way from returning.
"I cannot be very precise with that," Arteta said after Arsenal's pre-season defeat by Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. "Jurrien is progressing really well, he's on the pitch, he's doing quite a lot right now, but is still weeks away. I cannot say how much."
"William is in rest mode at the moment. For two weeks he had to do almost nothing, don't aggravate the injury. It's going to take some time to heal, we know that."
"As quick as we have more news we can inform," Arteta added.
Cover options and outlook
Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera are currently set to deputise for Saliba and Timber, though Arsenal could also look to the transfer market for replacements.
Saliba was captured saying "my back is gone, my back is gone" after being withdrawn in the second half of France's World Cup defeat by Spain, with reports in his home country suggesting he could be sidelined for an extended period. Arsenal and Saliba are believed to have opted against surgery.
Timber played briefly at the end of last season but missed the World Cup with a persistent groin issue. "We have experienced that in the past, unfortunately," Arteta said. "When he's been available, his stats are incredible. We know that we have lost an incredible player. Same with Jurrien." He added: "We need to improve with the players that we have."
