Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided information on the fitness situations of Jurrien Timber and William Saliba as both continue their recovery from injuries.
Arteta labelled Timber’s issue as long-term when explaining Arsenal’s decision to recruit Ezri Konsa. Timber sustained a groin complaint back in March and managed a short appearance in the Champions League final, though he was clearly short of peak condition.
The Netherlands international was included in his country’s World Cup squad but was forced to pull out, while Saliba damaged his back during that same competition. With both centre-backs currently unavailable, Arteta and Arsenal acted by acquiring Konsa from Aston Villa, citing the continued unavailability of Timber and Saliba as justification for the move.
When questioned about Konsa on Sky Sports, Arteta explained that the club required another player, pointing out they possessed only seven defenders and considered this insufficient. He noted they were dealing with two lengthy absences in the backline, referencing both Timber and Saliba.
He elaborated that the priority was finding someone with qualities different from what the squad already possessed, ideally someone with experience, stressing how crucial the centre-back position is in this division and expressing confidence in what Konsa adds to the team.
Timber is anticipated to return in September, with his complaint having now persisted for five months. Saliba, meanwhile, may be sidelined for the opening portion of the 2026/27 campaign after aggravating a back problem at the World Cup.
The defensive acquisition was originally considered alongside a bold attempt for Vinicius Junior but became the main focus once he elected to remain at Real Madrid.
Konsa’s move was officially announced on Friday, making him Arsenal’s fifth permanent signing of the summer following the arrivals of Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes, Illan Meslier, and Piero Hincapie.
Further signings remain a possibility, with Gary Neville asking Arteta on Sky Sports whether there was anything else he hoped to accomplish before the transfer window closes.
When responding, Arteta indicated the club continues working to strengthen the squad, acknowledging everything depends on potential departures and the financial situation, but expressing satisfaction with progress so far.
Among the summer recruits, only Tzolis has featured in the starting lineup, with Guimaraes absent entirely after picking up an injury during his first competitive appearance in last weekend’s Community Shield.
Regarding Guimaraes’s absence, Arteta noted the player experienced minor groin discomfort, had not completed a pre-season programme, and had only a few days of training before that match. He acknowledged there is considerable adjustment involved for the new signing and stated the approach would be gradual.