Why Jurrien Timber’s latest injury setback should force Arsenal into signing a new right‑back
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta should be thinking about signing a new right-back this summer.
Jurrien Timber has suffered numerous injury problems during his time at Arsenal, and he will now sit out of the World Cup with a groin injury.
It comes after Timber missed 14 matches between March and the end of the season as Arsenal managed to get over the line in the Premier League title race.
After missing nearly the entirety of his debut season at the club due to an ACL tear, Timber's fitness is clearly not something which Arteta can rely upon.
The 24-year-old's return to action against PSG in the Champions League final may have been ill-advised considering his lengthy injury absence.
Arteta's decision to turn to Timber over Riccardo Calafiori for Cristian Mosquera in the second half may have set the Dutchman back further in his quest to get fully fit.
Mikel Arteta facing right-back dilemma
Mosquera's performances at right-back have highlighted that the Spaniard should not be forced to play in that position.
However, Timber's deputy, Ben White, also struggles with his fair share of injury problems.
White missed the final three matches of the campaign, and will also not be at this summer's World Cup, whilst he could leave Emirates Stadium permanently in the transfer window.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, believes that White could be tempted to join Everton amid transfer interest from the Toffees.
Newcastle star should be on Arsenal's radar
Signing a new right-back may not have been a high priority for Arteta this summer.
It is unclear who the Gunners will target should they make a move, but Newcastle's Tino Livramento looks to be an obvious choice.
Livramento has Premier League experience, is only 23, and could be looking to leave Newcastle in search of Champions League football.
Arsenal could face a battle with Manchester City for the England international, who has two years left on his current deal at Newcastle.
The only stumbling block could be Livramento's hefty price tag, with Arsenal currently occupied trying to agree a big money move for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.