Arsenal’s £38million Summer Signing Sidelined After Premier League Debut Injury

Arsenal’s new summer signing, Jurrien Timber, is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a potentially serious knee injury during his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The £38.5million acquisition from Ajax had impressed in pre-season, but his debut was cut short when he limped off shortly after half-time in the Gunners’ 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Timber initially injured his knee while making a challenge just before the break but, after receiving treatment, returned for the second half. However, the Dutch defender was forced off again soon after and was replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Arsenal have confirmed that Timber has undergone assessments and scans, revealing an injury to his right knee. The club’s official statement on Monday evening stated that Timber will undergo a further, more detailed review with a consultant in the coming days to determine the full extent of the injury and decide on next steps.

“This is a significant concern for Arsenal, as Timber’s versatility across the back four was seen as a crucial asset to Mikel Arteta’s squad, with the 22-year-old capable of playing at left-back, centre-back, and right-back. Timber started at left-back in the match against Forest, filling in for Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has only just returned from injury after missing the entire pre-season campaign.

Should Timber face a long recovery, it would be a major setback for Arteta’s plans, particularly as Arsenal prepare for their next match against Crystal Palace next Monday. The club remains focused on supporting Timber during his recovery and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Ben Earl Avoids Jamie George’s Unwanted Record as He Earns First Start for England

England hooker Jamie George has expressed his disappointment as his record for the longest Test career without a start remains intact. His Saracens teammate, Ben Earl, had been closing in on this mark, having appeared as a substitute for England 15 times since his debut in 2020. However, head coach Steve Borthwick has named Earl in the starting XV for Friday’s Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Wales at Twickenham, which has left George “gutted” as Earl takes the first step in avoiding the unwanted record.

Ben Earl, who had previously struggled to secure a starting role under former England coach Eddie Jones, has impressed both at Saracens and on the international stage. His performances were recognised when he was named Gallagher Premiership player of the season in 2022, and he has now earned his first Test start. Earl acknowledged the friendly rivalry with George, noting that his mate wasn’t “the proudest” to hold the record for the most appearances off the bench without a start.

Reflecting on his England journey, Earl admitted that it had been “bizarre” at times, with periods of uncertainty over whether he would ever get a consistent run in the side. However, under Borthwick, Earl has received renewed encouragement, especially after a Six Nations campaign that didn’t meet his expectations.

England have faced three consecutive losses heading into the match against Wales, including a 20-9 defeat in Cardiff the previous week. Despite this, Earl remains optimistic, believing that England are “on the edge” of turning things around. With a potent starting lineup, the team is hoping to surprise their critics and demonstrate what they can achieve on the pitch.

Earl added that the environment under Borthwick has been one of the best he’s experienced, and that the players are eager to prove themselves. He is hopeful that the team can finally translate their hard work and preparation into a performance that shows their true potential.

Arsenal’s Team News for Premier League Opener: Nketiah Leads the Line, Gabriel Drops to Bench

Arsenal have named Eddie Nketiah as their starting striker for the Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest today, with Gabriel making a surprising drop to the bench. Nketiah, who started on the bench in the Community Shield, takes his place in the first XI at the Emirates, while Kai Havertz moves into midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.

Thomas Partey looks set to start at right-back, with Ben White shifting into the centre of defence to replace Gabriel. Arsenal’s summer signing David Raya is not included in the squad, as the deal to complete his transfer from Brentford did not meet the necessary paperwork deadline ahead of the game.

Injuries have also impacted Arsenal’s selection. Oleksandr Zinchenko remains sidelined with a calf injury, missing out again after not featuring in pre-season. Meanwhile, Jorginho, who had been recovering from a muscle issue, is named on the bench.

Arsenal Starting XI: Ramsdale; Partey, Saliba, White, Timber; Rice, Ødegaard, Havertz; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli

Substitutes: Hein, Gabriel, Kiwior, Tomiyasu, Smith Rowe, Vieira, Jorginho, Nelson, Trossard

Match Time & Date: 12:30 pm BST, Saturday August 12, 2023
Venue: Emirates Stadium

Manager calls for focus on incremental improvements as Lions aim for play-off spot

Gary Rowett, manager of Millwall, is determined not to let the agony of last season’s final-day collapse hinder his team’s ambitions for the new campaign. Despite needing a win on the last day to secure a top-six finish, Millwall threw away a 3-1 lead over Blackburn Rovers, losing 4-3 and missing out on a place in the Championship play-offs.

Rather than brooding over the disappointment, Rowett moved quickly to reflect and turn the setback into motivation. “After the Blackburn game, all I wanted to do was go on holiday, lie on a sunbed and drink as much wine as I could,” Rowett confessed. “It was such a tough way to end the season. But I get over things quickly because the sooner I can get over it, the sooner I can work out what we need to do next season.”

Reflecting on the season, Rowett pointed out that Millwall’s inconsistency over the final nine games, rather than just the last 45 minutes against Blackburn, was the real issue. “We won only two of our final nine matches. That was more of an issue than the last game itself,” he said. “But to be that close to the top six, especially given our budget, has to be seen as a success.”

Rowett also noted that while their performance in the final stretch was disappointing, the fact Millwall consistently challenges for the play-offs despite having one of the lower budgets in the league is an achievement. “It’s a competitive league, and if you don’t win those key games, you’re going to fall short,” Rowett added.

The club had a turbulent summer following the death of long-time owner John Berylson, but despite the emotional upheaval, Rowett and the team have focused on strengthening for the season ahead. Millwall made four signings during the off-season, including the acquisition of Joe Bryan on a free transfer from Fulham, and Rowett is hoping for at least two more signings.

With top scorer Zian Flemming attracting interest from Premier League clubs like Burnley, Rowett acknowledged the possibility of losing the star player but remains focused on the club’s ambitious goal. “Top six is the aim, and anything can happen once you’re in the play-offs,” Rowett stated. “We have to be ambitious, regardless of budgets and former Premier League teams.”

As the new season kicks off, Rowett is hopeful that Millwall can use last season’s heartbreak as fuel for success. “There’s no magic wand,” Rowett said, emphasizing that improving season by season, with sacrifices from both players and staff, is the key. “The players are motivated to go one step better this year.”