Arsenal's Jurrien Timber to Sit Out 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 Town despite making his long-awaited return at the weekend.

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

The timing of his absence from the cup squad might raise eyebrows, but inside the club the mood is calm. Sources insist his omission is precautionary rather than a response to any setback. Arsenal want to manage his workload carefully, easing him back rather than throwing him straight into back-to-back games.

Timber is understood to be fit, with no fresh concerns over the groin problem that has kept him out for so long. The plan is simply to protect him.

Mikel Arteta is expected to rotate heavily against Ipswich, with several senior players in line for a rest as Arsenal juggle domestic and cup commitments. Timber will be among those held back.

White, meanwhile, has already undergone a scan to assess the damage from the muscular injury he suffered on Saturday. Arsenal are yet to confirm the severity of the problem, but he is not expected to feature against Gary O’Neil’s side.

With one defender just returning and another heading for a spell on the sidelines, Arteta’s balancing act at the back is only just beginning.