In the past 48 hours, Mikel Arteta has received three injury twists from Arsenal, which might significantly affect his preparation for this weekend’s Premier League matchup against Southampton. The Gunners defeated Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 in the Champions League earlier this week thanks to an incredibly polished effort.

At Emirates Stadium, goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka in the first half gave Arsenal total command. Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba were crucial in halting PSG’s 51-game run of scoring in every Champions League group stage match, meaning Mikel Arteta’s team was scarcely troubled defensively either.

Summertime acquisition Even though Mikel Merino made his eagerly anticipated Arsenal debut, the win wasn’t without its drawbacks. Jurrien Timber, a Dutch international, was one of players who was substituted off at halftime due to a possible injury.

After the game, Arteta said, “He was unbelievable in the first half, but he felt something muscular and he wasn’t sure.” I therefore didn’t want to take any chances. We have to control him since he has been out for a year and has played a lot—possibly more than we would have liked to in the last few weeks.”

Despite starting the season at left-back, Timber has been covering for Ben White, who has been out with a groin injury. As a result, Riccardo Calafiori has started the last three games on the left, while Gabriel Martinelli has been negatively impacted by his participation in the starting lineup.

White’s comeback does not seem certain, though, and Arteta faces a difficult decision given that Timber is now a serious doubt to play Southampton. Thomas Partey is a versatile choice who can cover at right-back, so there are plenty of possibilities available to take his place.

Takehiro Tomiyasu would be the ideal substitute because he can play all three positions on the backline, but injury has kept him from playing this season. But with Arteta in need of defensive reinforcement and the Japan international spotted back in training on Monday, it appears that his possible return has come at the ideal time.

Due to injury concerns, Arteta has already had to adjust multiple times this season, and it appears like he will continue to do so. Given that Tomiyasu has missed the previous two months of action, the Arsenal manager might be hesitant to start him, but he might not have an option.