Mikel Arteta hints at unorthodox role for Arsenal's Jurrien Timber against Aston Villa

Mikel Arteta teased the possibility of deploying Jurrien Timber in an unconventional role as Arsenal prepare to face Aston Villa this Saturday.

The former Ajax defender enjoyed a nightmare debut season in north London having suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury on the opening day of the Premier League season against Nottingham Forest.

Back fit, Timber came off the bench at the Emirates against Wolves on the opening day of the season but faces stiff competition if he is to force his way into the Gunners’ defensive line.

William Salbia and Gabriel Magalhaes have established a rock-solid partnership in central defence, while new summer signing Riccardo Calafiori offers a similar versatility to Timber, with the Italian able to play across the back line.

However, the 23-year-old could yet take his versatility to another level for Arsenal’s trip to Villa Park, with Arteta revealing he may deploy the Dutchman in central midfield.

When asked if Timber is capable of starting in midfield, the Spaniard responded: ‘Yeah he is. He can play in various positions. His versatility is one of his biggest strengths.

‘He played some quality minutes the other day. Having that capacity to find what the squad is needing in that minute is really valued.

‘Alex [Zinchencko] did as well, I think Alex was really good as well, especially in the first 60 minutes against Wolves.

‘Having the capacity in the squad to change things around and find other things that the team needs in that moment is something very valuable.’

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Pressed if Timber was fit enough to play 90 minutes, Arteta responded: ‘He had a really good pre-season to a point, then we had to stop him because he had a little issue there and we didn’t feel like he was ready.

‘We have to build him up, we have to be cautious so I’m not sure.’

Arsenal lost on both occasions against Aston Villa last season and Arteta insisted the Gunners must be more clinical if they are to best Unai Emery’s side on this occasion.

‘In two games we had an enormous amount of chances to do that, and that was the big difference,’ he said.

‘There were other details for sure which we have analysed, and we will have to do better tomorrow because they are a really good side with a good coach.

‘They dominate every aspect of the game, when you give them space to run they are phenomenal, when there is no space and they have to find it they can do that. In any restarts or set-pieces, they are at it, and that’s why they did what they did.’

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