Mikel Arteta reveals why he didn’t pick Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori for Arsenal

Following Arsenal’s big win against reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly, head coach Mikel Arteta provided an update on Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, as the two were not a part of the game.

The Gunners coach has stated in front of the media that Dutch centre-back Timber, who missed all of the Premier League matches last season, except for his appearance in two games owing to a knee injury, is experiencing “little discomfort” in his foot and so he was left out.

Arteta further revealed that Riccardo Calafiori, who reportedly signed for the English giants for a massive 42 million euros was not a part because the management wishes to give him more time to adjust in the new club.

Arteta also said that he hopes Calafiori will be available for a few minutes in their next encounter against Lyon on Sunday, thus making his debut for the Gunners. Calafiori usually plays as a centre-back, but can also contribute as a left-back and in the midfield too. Adding him in Arsenal could prove to be a great move, as his contribution was immense for Bologna last season, where he appeared in 33 matches.

Arsenal missed the Premier League title by a whisker to Manchester City last season. They were defensively the best side. The arrival of Calafiori and the availability of a fully fit Jurrien Timber will make their backline stronger. The Gunners are looking lethal in the pre-season, having defeated the Bundesliga champions 4-1. Fans will hope that Arsenal keep their form good and end the 21-year-long wait for a league title.