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Why Jurrien Timber isn't in the Arsenal squad despite trip to Old Trafford ahead of Man United

Jurrien Timber is absent from the Arsenal squad for their Premier League clash with Manchester United despite making the journey up to Old Trafford.

Mikel Arteta has named an unchanged XI from the team who beat Bournemouth convincingly 3-0 last week. That means that Takehiro Tomiyasu is fit to start at left back despite missing the first part of training earlier this week.

There had been some suggestion that Timber could come into the squad if Tomiyasu was unfit. It is unlikely that the Dutch international would have started ahead of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior.

But after missing nine months with an ACL injury sustained in the first weekend of the season, Timber would have been favourite to join the subs at Old Trafford. With an entirely fit squad to choose from though, Arteta has opted for the same group that has won the last three matches for Arsenal. Timber has travelled though and is 21st man for the Gunners.

Bukayo Saka is also fit to start. The England international was pictured with heavy strapping during training at London Colney, but he is available to appear at Old Trafford. Saka will be hoping to keep up his superb record against United, against whom only Thierry Henry has managed more goals or assists in the Premier League.

Jorginho meanwhile is only on the bench despite signing a contract extension in midweek. That means that Thomas Partey keeps his place in the Arsenal starting XI.

The Manchester United team meanwhile is missing several key players. Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez are all unfit to play. It appears as though Casemiro and Jonny Evans will be the centre back pairing once again for Erik ten Hag's side.

Arsenal starting XI vs Manchester United - Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu, Partey, Odegaard, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Trossard.

Arsenal subs vs Manchester United - Ramsdale, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Smith Rowe, Vieira, Martinelli, Nketiah, Jesus.