Arsenal will be without key defensive duo Jurrien Timber and William Saliba for Wednesday night’s final Champions League league-stage encounter against Kairat Almaty at the Emirates Stadium, after Mikel Arteta confirmed both players are sidelined with minor injury concerns.
As the Gunners prepare for the European fixture, Arteta also revealed that Mikel Merino will not be available for selection, with the Spanish international serving a suspension and therefore watching from the stands.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta explained the decision to hold Timber and Saliba back, hinting at a cautious approach as the season gathers momentum.
“Those players [Timber & Saliba] are out,” said Arteta in his pre-match press conference.
“They have some niggles and it is a good opportunity now that we try some different work with them to get them in the best possible condition that we can hope for.”
With progression already secured, the absence of Timber, Saliba and Merino opens the door for rotation, allowing Arteta to shuffle his pack and assess alternative options under the lights at the Emirates.
As a result, the focus shifts to squad depth and readiness, while the sidelined trio continue their recovery and preparation for the challenges ahead.
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