Letting go of Tierney would be premature in light of Timber’s injury - bettingexpert News

Arsenal might have started their 2023-24 Premier League campaign on a positive note with a win against Nottingham Forest. Still, the mood at the Emirates and among their fans is of despair due to the long-term injury that new signing Jurrien Timber picked up.

The Dutch defender, as per reports, is set for a lengthy layoff and fears persist that he might have torn his ACL. The Gunners’ strength in defensive depth will now be tested as they aim to pip Man City for the Premier League crown.

Former Arsenal and Man Utd defender Mikael Silvestre gave us his thoughts on Timber’s layoff and who could cover for him. He also pointed out the need to keep Kieran Tierney now that the Dutchman is out.

In this article:

• Timber on the sidelines
• Tomiyasu and Tierney cover
• Monaco calling Balogun

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With Jurrien Timber’s Injury It Would Be Premature To Let Kieran Tierney Go

The former French international believes that letting go of Kieran Tierney right now would be a premature decision.

He says that Mikel Arteta should keep a hold of the Scottish left-back and see how the Timber situation develops and if it makes sense, then Tierney can be sold around the end of the transfer window.

“With Timber’s injury I think we have to wait and see because if I’m Mikel Arteta I would put a hold on Tierney leaving and see how things develop with Timber.”

“It could happen maybe towards the end of the window but right now I would keep all my defenders because I’ve lost one maybe for a long time. It would be premature to consider letting go of Kieran.”

Takehiro Tomiyasu And Kieran Tierney Can Cover For Timber

Silvestre noted that the injury to Timber was a blow as he would have added value to the squad right away.

In addition to Tierney, he named Takehiro Tomiyasu as another player who can cover for the injured Dutchman. The Japanese international has slotted in at left-back multiple times in his Arsenal career, most notably in a 3-2 win over Liverpool last season.

“It’s a blow to lose a defender or any player at the beginning of the season. Especially a new signing because you’re hoping that he would add value to the squad straight away.” 

“With Tomiyasu and Tierney, they will cover for Timber’s injury.”

If I Were Folarin Balogun, I’d Go To AS Monaco

Another Arsenal star whose departure looks imminent is Folarin Balogun, and Silvestre has words of advice for him.

The Frenchman sees AS Monaco as the right destination for the man whose suitors also include Internazionale, West Ham and RB Leipzig.

“I’m not in his shoes, but I would go back to Ligue 1 and choose Monaco.” 

“They need a striker and one like him. He would fit in well there, and he knows Ligue 1.” 

Silvestre expands on it, saying that Balogun can continue where he left off in Ligue 1 last season, scoring around 20 goals for Reims. At Monaco, he can be a key building block for a team that is looking to get back into the Champions League.

“It would make sense to go and establish himself at Monaco and continue the good run he had with the 20-odd goals he scored.”

“He should continue his progression with a side that is trying to build a competitive side that can go back to competing for the Champions League places.”

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