Arteta Keeps Fans on Edge With Saliba and Timber Fitness Verdict Ahead of Community Shield

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted he is unlikely to have his preferred defensive lineup available before the season's first international break, with William Saliba and Jurriën Timber still several weeks away from rejoining training.

Centre-back Saliba picked up a back injury during the World Cup, while Timber failed to even feature at this summer's tournament after worsening a groin problem that he may have returned from prematurely for the Champions League final back in May.

Neither player has featured in preseason, leaving Arteta to consider alternative defensive solutions, a situation that looks set to continue through to the first international break at the end of September.

"[Timber] is making really good progress, he's out on the pitch," Arteta said ahead of Sunday's Community Shield clash with Manchester City. "We're gradually increasing the intensity of certain actions, particularly the volume and workload, and I think he's heading in the right direction, but there are still a couple of weeks remaining.

"I'm not sure [whether he'll be back before the break]. We'll have to take it day by day. Ideally, he needs to begin training with the squad within the next week or so, and then we'll assess how things develop from there. It's been an ongoing issue, and we want to ensure that every step we take is the correct one, that he feels ready for it — he's such a vital player for this club."

Regarding Saliba, Arteta simply stated: "As everyone is aware, it's more of a long-term injury."

Which Games Could Saliba, Timber Miss?

Arsenal have a total of eight fixtures to navigate before the international break arrives in September, beginning with Sunday's Community Shield.

A home encounter with Coventry City on Friday, Aug. 21, kicks off Arsenal's Premier League title defense, followed by challenging fixtures against Aston Villa (A) and Chelsea (H).

Away days at Sunderland and Brighton & Hove Albion also appear on Arsenal's schedule before the international break, along with a Carabao Cup third-round tie and the opening match of their eight-game Champions League league phase campaign.

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There is equally no certainty that Saliba will be fit for Arsenal's return to action following the break. The choice to avoid surgery on his back injury may have prevented an absence of at least four months, yet there remains no confirmed timeline for the French defender's comeback.

Arsenal resume their campaign against Leeds United on Oct. 10, just under three months after Saliba sustained his back injury at the World Cup.