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Arsenal's Timber, Saliba Miss Season Start; Arteta Urges Defense

8/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba will miss the season start.
He said Timber is progressing and remains weeks from fitness after groin surgery that began in mid-March.
Saliba is in “rest mode” for two weeks after a back injury during the World Cup semi-final, delaying his return.
Arteta downplayed signings and urged the defensive group—including Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White—to step up.

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Story summary

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba will miss the season start.
He said Timber is progressing and remains weeks from fitness after groin surgery that began in mid-March.
Saliba is in “rest mode” for two weeks after a back injury during the World Cup semi-final, delaying his return.
Arteta downplayed signings and urged the defensive group—including Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White—to step up.