Mikel Arteta has explained why Jurrien Timber was substituted against Brighton amid fears the defender sustained another injury.
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Timber seen holding hamstring in Arsenal's drawDutchman missed most of last season through injuryDefender had to be replaced by ZinchenkoAFPWHAT HAPPENED?
Timber was substituted in the 80th minute of the 1-1 Premier League draw at the Emirates, with the defender appearing to hold his hamstring. After missing the majority of last season through injury, Timber's withdrawal sparked fears he may have picked up another one.
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A serious anterior cruciate ligament injury picked up in his second league game ruled him out for almost all of last season. It didn't seem like there was any discomfort in his knee against Brighton, where he went up against the menacing Yankuba Minteh, and Arteta was quick to squash any injury rumours.
Getty Images SportWHAT ARTETA SAID
The Arsenal manager said when asked if it was an injury: "I don't think so."
He added: "He was cramping. He got a kick in the first half and then was cramping so we had to take him off."
WHAT NEXT FOR TIMBER AND ARSENAL?
Artetta and Timber will be relieved that the Netherlands international appears to have nothing to worry about. The player will join the Netherlands national team for the upcoming international fixtures before returning to prepare for the North London Derby against Tottenham on September 15.






