Arsenal: Mikel Arteta explains Jurrien Timber absence vs Ipswich amid injury update | OneFootball

Gunners named a heavily rotated side to face Tractor Boys in Carabao Cup

Mikel Arteta insisted Jurrien Timber has not suffered an injury setback after he was left out of Arsenal’s squad for the Carabao Cup trip to Ipswich.

Timber came on at half-time against Sunderland on Saturday night, for what was his first appearance since featuring off the bench in the Champions League final.

With Ben White missing the clash with Ipswich due to a groin issue, Timber had looked likely to feature at Portman Road.

However, he was not named in the matchday squad as Arsenal made the decision to take no risks with his fitness.

Arteta told Sky Sports: “No (he has not suffered a setback), everything is fine.

“He has played much more than we wanted. The other day he had 53 minutes after five months out.

“We need to look after him.”

Martin Zubimendi appears set to line up at right-back for Arsenal, with 17-year-old Marli Salmon alongside Gabriel in the centre of defence.

Myles Lewis-Skelly starts at left-back for the first time this season, with Piero Hincapie left out of the squad altogether. Cristian Mosquera was also left out of the side.

“With some players, they were carrying some fatigue, some real issues we have to look after,” Arteta said when asked about Hincapie.

“Other players are available, fresh and in better condition to play.”

David Raya and Declan Rice are both rested, while Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are among those on the bench waiting in reserve if required. Viktor Gyokeres has been handed a chance to impress from the off.