Mikel Arteta says Arsenal need to “look at alternatives” for the troublesome right-back slot against Paris Saint-Germain if Jurrien Timber does not make it.
Timber is working his way back from a groin injury that has kept him out for two months. The Netherlands international has been a huge part of Arsenal’s success this season, playing 43 games in all competitions and helping put them on the brink of a Premier League and Champions League double.
The Gunners are in pole position to win the league with games against already relegated Burnley and a Crystal Palace side with one eye on their Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano to come.
The Champions League looks a much tougher proposition against a PSG side that clinched the trophy for the first time 12 months ago with a 5-0 hammering of Inter Milan in the final.
The Parisians have a potent forward line with Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia patrolling the left flank.
Timber’s potential absence is compounded by a season-ending injury to Ben White, who would normally be back-up on the right of the defence.
It leaves Arteta short of options. Declan Rice filled in temporarily at West Ham last weekend but he will be required in midfield with centre-half Cristhian Mosquera and regular left-back Riccardo Calafiori also contenders.
“We need to look at alternatives,” said Arteta. “The two players that we have, they’re not available at the moment. So we need to look and do something else. The good thing is that we have experience all over the pitch this season. Because when we had issues normally they’ll be in the same position. And we have managed to find the right levels of performance and consistency so I’m sure we will do that.”
Arsenal may use left-back Calafiori on the right against PSG
Asked if he may try Calafiori on the right in the remaining league games, Arteta was not sure if he would learn enough.
“I think the sample is so tiny,” he said. “It is very difficult to judge a player when he has low minutes. Declan Rice, when he’s played as a full-back, against Brighton, was exceptional. But then the other night, it was something else. It depends.
“The sample is still so little, it will remain so little from here to the end of the season to judge if a player is good enough and can perform in the position. Also, what is the cost of moving that player from one position to the other, and that’s the balance that we need to find.
Arteta praises Lewis-Skelly for Arsenal impact
It was put to Arteta that taking a risk in moving a player to a new role has worked in the case of left-back-cum-midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly.
“I don’t know if the word is risk,” he added. “At the end we have to make a decision because it the circumstances are requiring that. With Miles it was a difference, it was a choice because of what we saw and what we believed that he could do and what the team needed. He’s done really really well.”
The dream scenario would be for Timber to prove his fitness for the PSG clash.
Arteta said: “He has progressed a little bit in the last few days. He’s feeling better. We’re going to try and get him fit and available as quick as possible, but let’s see.
“He’s such an important player for us and he’s doing everything he can to help the team in any capacity. His leadership, his quality and how much the team needs him. He’s doing everything he can.”
