Arsenal: Jurrien Timber injury forces Arteta to give 18-year-old his debut

Arsenal will come up against Crystal Palace on Monday evening in gameweek 2 of the 2023/4 Premier League campaign. Both sides got off to winning starts in the opening fixtures but Mikel Arteta is looking to be the one who grabs glory in this match.

His starting eleven selection is somewhat complicated this week, with Jurrien Timber picking up an injury on his competitive debut. The signing from Ajax has looked bright throughout pre-season, so this is a big blow to Arteta who would’ve likely started Jurrien Timber again had he not picked up that injury.

The injury is thought to be significant, meaning Timber could miss a big part of the season. Therefore, fans believe there is now pressure to sign another defender in the transfer window.

However, Mikel Arteta might disagree with that plan. According to Football Transfers (via Now Arsenal), Arteta has already found his ideal Jurrien Timber alternative and he’s already at the club. The player in question is academy product Reuell Walters.

According to the report, academy boss Jack Wilshere has spoken with his former teammate Mikel Arteta and put in a good word for Walters. The 18-year-old Walters has featured for the Gunners many times from the bench, but is yet to be given his competitive debut.

Walters is thought to be the perfect alternative for Jurrien Timber as the two players offer similar attributes. Of course, Timber has more experience but Walters is full of energy, can play in multiple defensive positions, and is ready to take the next step up to the first team – Well, that’s if the opinion of Jack Wilshere is to be trusted.

I can’t see Walters starting against Crystal Palace, since Gabriel is likely to return to the starting XI instead. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Walters appear on the bench.

Do you think Reuell Walters has a chance of being given his debut against Crystal Palace?