Timber is now suspended for this weekend’s clash at Brighton and, as a result, Thomas Partey will likely fill in at right-back.
There could be a change on the other flank, too. Riccardo Calafiori started his first match in a month at Brentford after a groin injury.
The Italian may be rotated this weekend and Myles Lewis-Skelly could earn a start after some excellent performances last month.
Partey’s move to right-back should see Declan Rice come back into the team at the base of midfield.
The England star was on the bench for the win at Brentford after Arteta said he was dealing with a niggle.
Boost: Declan Rice could come back into the Arsenal side for their game with Brighton
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
In attack, Arteta faces a dilemma as to whether he sticks with Ethan Nwaneri on the right flank after his fine performance at Brentford.
The 17-year-old caught the eye in the absence of Bukayo Saka and did more than enough to keep his place.
Arsenal, however, have a packed schedule this January - including a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with Newcastle on Tuesday - and so some rotation is likely.
Arsenal likely XI (4-3-3): Raya; Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard
Injured: Saka (hamstring), Sterling (knee), Tomiyasu (knee), White (knee)
Suspended: Timber
Time and date: 5.30pm GMT on Saturday 4 January 2025
TV channel and live stream: Sky Sports
Venue: Amex Stadium
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Arsenal squad from: Neto, Raya, Setford; Calafiori, Gabriel, Heaven, Kiwior, Saliba, Tierney, Zinchenko; Havertz, Jorginho, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Nwaneri, Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Jesus, Martinelli and Trossard.
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