Arteta Urged Not To Make One Specific Mistake In North London Derby
Written By Albert Echatah
Ahead of Sunday’s North London derby, Rafael van der Vaart has urged Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta not to play Jurrien Timber in midfield.
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An anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained on his Premier League debut caused Timber’s first season in England to end prematurely. Timber joined the Gunners from Ajax last summer.
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After starting for his team in their previous two matches against Aston Villa and Brighton, the Dutchman has now fully recovered from his injury setback and earned a spot in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup.
Sunday’s north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham will see the team reeling after a string of severe injuries that have decimated their midfield options.
Because Declan Rice is suspended following his contentious red card against Brighton last time out, Martin Odegaard will miss the derby due to an ankle injury he sustained while playing for Norway internationally this week.
Real Sociedad summer acquisition Mikel Merino is also out due to a fractured shoulder sustained during his first practice with the team.
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With Kai Havertz now excelling in his role farther up the pitch, Arteta is left with choices in the middle of the park in Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
Prior to Sunday’s trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Arsenal manager may consider utilising Timber in a midfield role as Arteta hinted last month.
Van der Vaart believes Timber has the potential to be a valuable member of the team and can fill a variety of roles, but he does not think it is time to move Timber up the field just yet.
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