Arteta provides not-so-good update on Timber and Saliba

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·10 August 2026

Arteta provides not-so-good update on Timber and Saliba

Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the fitness of Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, two Arsenal defenders who remain injured ahead of the new season.

Timber was injured in the Champions League final and missed the World Cup, but he returned for pre-season training, only to suffer another injury as Arsenal prepared for the new campaign. He continues to receive treatment and is expected to return soon, although that comeback might not happen as quickly as the Gunners would like.

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Saliba was injured while playing for France at the World Cup and thankfully does not need to undergo surgery, but the Gunners have given him an extended period of rest so he can recover properly. Saliba is one of the first names on the team sheet at the Emirates, so it will be beneficial to the team if he makes a full recovery as soon as possible.

Timber still weeks away

Arsenal are therefore being patient with both defenders as they work towards full fitness. Fans want their best players to always be on the pitch, and the Frenchman also loves playing for the team, but Saliba will not be back soon.

‘I cannot be very precise with that,’ Arteta said after Arsenal’s pre-season defeat by Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, via the Daily Mail.

‘Jurrien is progressing really well, he’s on the pitch, he’s doing quite a lot right now, but is still weeks away. I cannot say how much.’

Saliba given time to recover

Arteta also provided an update on Saliba, confirming that the defender is currently being given time to rest and allow his injury to heal.

‘William is in rest mode at the moment. For two weeks he had to do almost nothing, don’t aggravate the injury. It’s going to take some time to heal, we know that.’

The updates mean Arsenal will have to remain patient with both players as they prepare for the new season. Timber is progressing well but remains weeks away from a return, while Saliba has been placed in a period of rest to prevent further aggravation.

Both defenders are important players for Arteta, making their eventual returns significant for Arsenal. The club will therefore hope that their careful approach allows Timber and Saliba to recover fully before they return to competitive action.

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