Arsenal has been dealt a huge blow after it was confirmed that the club’s Dutch Defender and summer signing from Ajax, Jurrien Timber, will be out for the next couple of months due to an ACL injury.

Jurrien Timber made his Premier League debut in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on Saturday. However, the 22-year-old did not finish the game as he was substituted after a knee problem and after tests were conducted, the club confirmed on Wednesday through a statement that the player will miss the next couple of months.

The club further stated that the player would need surgery, although they didn’t state how long he would be out, but that the medical team would support the player on his journey to recovery.

“The support and expertise from our medical team and everyone at the club will now be focussed on Jurrien’s rehabilitation program to ensure he recovers well and is back playing as soon as possible.” The statement read.

The Gunners may be forced to rely on Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu who replaced the 15-time capped Dutch defender. Jurrien Timber played four games for the Oranjes of Netherlands at the last FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He moved to Arsenal from Ajax in the summer and played in Arsenal’s penalty win over Manchester City in the Community Shield before starting Saturday’s League opener.

English forwards Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka both scored Arsenal’s goal in the 2-1 over Nottingham Forest as Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi was also on target for the Nottingham Forest side.

Eddie Nketiah featured in the game no thanks to another injury to Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus who will be out for not less than 3 months. Arsenal will face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday.

Similarly, Manchester City revealed on Tuesday that Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne would miss the next four months to injury.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu