The was no indication from Mikel Arteta in the build-up to the game that Timber would be unavailable for selection against the Seagulls.
But ahead of kick-off at the Emirates, Arsenal boss Arteta revealed why Timber, one of his most important players, was not named in the squad.
Quizzed about the right-back’s absence, Arteta explained that Timber suffered an injury in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace.
‘In the last part of the [Palace] game [on Tuesday], he felt something and could not carry on,’ Arteta said. ‘So, he’s out.’
Timber’s absence against Brighton, along with that of Ben White, meant that there was no recognised right-back in Arsenal’s matchday squad.
He played the full 90 minutes in the quarter-final against Palace four days ago, which Arsenal won on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Jurrien Timber has been one of Arsenal’s top performers this season (Picture: Getty)
The 24-year-old Dutchman has been one of Arsenal’s top performers this season, playing in all 17 top-flight games before the clash with Brighton.
Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere recently declared that Timber had become the best right-back on the planet.
‘I don’t think there’s a better right-back in the world than Timber,’ he told aceodds.com last month.
‘When he first joined the club, I thought he was a good signing, and then he got injured straight away.
‘I worried if his Arsenal career was over because I know how tough it is to come back from such a big injury.
‘But he’s been great since he got back, and I know a lot of people prefer their full-backs to attack, but for me, he’s good at attacking, but he’s also strong at defending.
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‘He rarely gets beaten in a 1 vs 1, and he makes the right choice on the ball.
‘When it comes to physical and technical ability, and then his decision making, I don’t think there’s anyone better.’
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