Arsenal were given another injury scare on Monday night when another of their star men was left in pain during the international break.
Jurrien Timber started for Netherlands in Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Lithuania with the Dutch sealing their place in next summer’s tournament with a comfortable 4-0 victory.
There was concern for the Arsenal star however when he was caught by Lithuania’s Edgaras Utkus in the first-half, left in some discomfort and needing treatment from the Dutch medical staff.
Timber suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his Premier League debut for Arsenal in 2023 following his move from Ajax, missing almost the entire season.
The sight of the 24-year-old clutching his knee will have sparked some concern but it soon became clear the issue did not appear to be a serious one.
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Timber was left with a cut on his right knee from the challenge but was patched up by physios and was able to return to action.
He was eventually replaced after 64 minutes with his side cruising to victory, replaced by Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida.
Arsenal host Tottenham in a north London derby on Sunday and while Mikel Arteta will be expected to provide an update on Timber later this week, all signs would suggest he will be available.
The Gunners are already sweating on the availability of Riccardo Calafiori after his scare while with the Italy squad.
The 23-year-old missed Italy’s 2-0 win away to Moldova on Thursday and returned to north London ahead of Sunday’s game against Norway due to a hip problem.
Reports suggest the issue is thought to be a minor one however with Arsenal hopeful of having the former Bologna star available this weekend.
But Arsenal could have a bigger problem with Gabriel Magalhaes after he was forced off playing for Brazil.
The centre-half was forced off in the second-half of the 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates on Saturday, receiving treatment on the pitch before being substituted.
Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti initially said Gabriel had suffered an adductor injury but it has since been confirmed the issue is a ‘a muscle injury in his right knee’.