Arsenal will be without one of their most influential players for this afternoon’s crunch London derby at West Ham and there’s a real chance he might not play again this season.
Jurrien Timber is not fit. Not even close.
Speaking ahead of the trip to the London Stadium, Mikel Arteta was asked directly whether the Dutch defender could feature. His answer was as short as it was savage.
“No chance for the weekend.”
Pressed further on whether Timber could return for the final two games against Burnley or Crystal Palace, the Arsenal boss didn’t exactly inspire confidence.
“I don’t know. There’s still a fair bit to do, so everything has to be so smooth and quick if they want to have a chance to play any minutes.”
Same story for Mikel Merino, who’s also been working his way back. Both are missing. Both are huge misses.
Why Timber’s absence hurts so much
Arsenal insiders view Timber as “one of the best in the world in his role.” That’s not hyperbole. The 24 year old has racked up 11 goal contributions from right back across 43 appearances in all competitions this season.
Ray Parlour not one for throwing around easy praise, recently called him one of Arsenal’s best players of the entire 2025/26 campaign.
Versatile. Reliable. A tone setter. Everything you want in a modern full back.
And now? Sidelined for the biggest game of the season so far.
The title is in Arsenal’s hands
Here’s where things stand.
Arsenal lead the Premier League with three games remaining. A win at West Ham today leaves them firmly in the driving seat. Burnley and Crystal Palace after that. Twenty two years without a title. The finish line is finally in sight.
Manchester City slipped up against Everton, handing control back to Arteta. Though City’s game in hand means nothing is done yet. The Sky Blues kept the pressure on with a 3-0 win over Brentford on Saturday.
Arsenal, though, look serene. Two straight league wins without conceding 1-0 at Newcastle, 3-0 against Fulham. And that Champions League final buzz? Tuesday’s win over Atlético Madrid has the whole club floating.
West Ham’s nightmare
The Hammers are back in the bottom three after getting thumped 3-0 at Brentford. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are desperate. Spurs are just a point above them. Relegation is real.
But here’s the killer stat: West Ham have lost ALL FIVE of their home London derbies in the Premier League this season.
All. Five.
Arsenal won the reverse fixture 2-0 back in October. Their last two trips to the London Stadium have produced eleven goals. Eleven.
Set pieces will decide it
Arsenal have scored 27 Premier League goals from set pieces this season. More than any other club. Seventeen of those from corners, the most a single side has managed in a Premier League campaign.
Ever.
West Ham’s vulnerability from corners has been one of the most pronounced weaknesses identified by analysts all season. Arteta knows it. His players know it. Expect a barrage.
Gyokeres, Saka and the firepower that remains
Even without Timber and Merino, Arsenal have weapons.
Viktor Gyokeres has scored nine goals in his last 12 Premier League appearances. Bukayo Saka carries an exceptional record against West Ham, one of those players who just seems to love playing them.
The title is in Arsenal’s hands. A win today makes it feel real.
But they’ll have to do it without their brilliant Dutchman. And possibly for the rest of the season.
No pressure, then.
