Arsenal's Jurrien Timber to Miss Carabao Cup Tie Against Ipswich

Arsenal will take no risks with Jurrien Timber, with the defender set to sit out Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against Ipswich despite making his long-awaited return at the weekend.

The Netherlands international stepped back onto a Premier League pitch on Saturday in the win over Sunderland, coming off the bench to replace Ben White, who limped off in the first half with a muscular problem. It was Timber’s first appearance of the season after a lengthy spell out with a groin issue.

The temptation to build on that comeback is obvious. Arsenal are resisting it.

Timber is expected to be left out of the squad entirely for the Ipswich clash, a decision described as precautionary rather than a response to any setback. There is no suggestion of fresh concern over the groin injury that kept him sidelined for so long; the club simply want to manage his minutes carefully and ease him back to full sharpness.

Mikel Arteta is also preparing to rotate elsewhere, with several senior players likely to be rested as Arsenal juggle cup commitments with their league campaign.

White, meanwhile, has undergone a scan after the problem he picked up at the Stadium of Light. Arsenal are yet to confirm the severity of the defender’s injury, but he is expected to miss the meeting with Gary O’Neil’s side.

For Timber, the message is clear: the comeback has started. Arsenal just plan to make sure it lasts.