Jurrien Timber injury could force big-spending Arsenal back into transfer market

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that the “huge blow” of losing summer signing Jurrien Timber to injury, potentially for the season, could force the club back into the transfer market.

Netherlands defender Timber signed from Ajax in a £38 million deal during a transfer window that has also seen England midfielder Declan Rice (£105 million from West Ham United) and Germany attacker Kai Havertz (£65 million from Chelsea) arrive at the Emirates Stadium.

But Timber limped out of Arsenal's opening weekend win over Nottingham Forest with the club confirming on Wednesday he suffered anterior ligament damage and will need surgery.

“Gutted to share my injury is more serious than expected, especially after the warm welcome I've received,” said the 22-year-old on social media when the news emerged.

Reports suggest Timber felt no immediate pain after a challenge with Brennan Johnson just before half-time and underwent stringent tests during the interval.

Club medical staff believe the outcome of the injury would not have changed had he been substituted immediately instead of playing on for five minutes of the second half before being replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu.

“Huge blow. Especially for him after just joining the club. To have the injury he has is a huge blow,” said Arteta ahead of Monday's game at Crystal Palace.

“It is for the team because we recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident and he's not going to be able to do it this season for us. We have to adapt. These things happen unfortunately and we have to move on.

“He's been very good to be honest. He's a special character. He knows, he's starting to realise the extent of the injury and the amount of time he's going to be