Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is not expected to make his return from an ACL injury until March, according to the Daily Mail.
It was originally said that the Dutchman was making good progress in his rehabilitation and there were some optimistic claims that he could play again at some point in February.
However, this latest update has prompted fans on X to call for reinforcements to be brought in at the back during the January transfer window:
March?
Just sign new LB immediately— AFC SMA🔴 (@SmaAfc) January 1, 2024
Our whole defence injured other than 2 😭 💔
— 🪭Lew (@AFCLewww) January 1, 2024
March? How is that possible. Whole year on the sidelines
— • (@sarpiliosas) January 1, 2024
Sign a left back this window 👍🏼
— Mujeeb Ahmed (@mujeeb179420) January 1, 2024
March?
What happened to returning in early February?
— AJ (@AFC_AJ_) January 1, 2024
Looks like we may not see him properly until next season at this rate.
— LA_Ramsdale (@AFCLifer) January 1, 2024
March is far!
— Uthman 🦁 (@Sir_ussy001) January 1, 2024
Arsenal are lacking options on the left-hand side of defence
With Timber not expected to be back in action anytime soon, Oleksandr Zinchenko sidelined with a calf injury, and Takehiro Tomiyasu playing at the Asian Cup, manager Mikel Arteta has very few alternatives to play at left-back.
Jakub Kiwior has been deployed there on several occasions but the Polish international has looked uncomfortable every time he has been picked and he is clearly better suited to being a centre-half.
A short-term solution could be found in the transfer market
If the scan on Zinchenko’s calf leads to more bad news, the Gunners may be forced into recruiting a left-back on a temporary basis.
In terms of who could be recruited, very few names have been linked so far. Arsenal have been scouting the likes of Jorrel Hato but there is little chance that Ajax would sanction his departure on loan, unless there is an obligation to buy next summer.
