Aug
Why New Signing Riccardo Calafiori & Jurrien Timber Left Out of Arsenal & Bayer Leverkusen: Mikel Arteta Risks
Recent signings Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber have been left out of Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen‘s squads, respectively, sparking questions about their future at their new clubs. This article delves into the reasons behind their exclusion and the potential risks Mikel Arteta, Arsenal‘s manager, might face as a result.
Calafiori’s Exclusion from Arsenal
Italian left-back Riccardo Calafiori joined Arsenal from Roma in January 2021, but he has yet to make his debut for the Gunners. Despite being signed as a potential replacement for Kieran Tierney, Calafiori has been left out of Arsenal‘s Premier League and Europa League squads. This decision has raised eyebrows, especially considering the club’s lack of depth in the left-back position.
Timber’s Exclusion from Bayer Leverkusen
Dutch defender Jurrien Timber joined Bayer Leverkusen from Ajax in January 2021, but he has also been left out of the club’s Bundesliga and Europa League squads. Timber was signed as a versatile defender who could play both in the center and on the right, but his exclusion has led to speculation about his future at the club.
Reasons for Exclusion
There are several reasons why Calafiori and Timber might have been left out of their respective squads. One possible reason is that both players are still adapting to their new environments and may not be ready for first-team action yet. Additionally, both Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen have strong squads, and the competition for places might be too intense for the new signings.
Risks for Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta‘s decision to leave Calafiori out of Arsenal‘s squads could backfire if the club suffers injuries in the left-back position. Kieran Tierney is Arsenal‘s first-choice left-back, but he has struggled with injuries in the past. If Tierney gets injured again, Arsenal might be forced to play a right-back out of position, which could weaken the team’s defense.
Furthermore, leaving Calafiori out of the squad could damage his confidence and hinder his development as a player. Calafiori was signed as a promising young talent, but if he does not get the opportunity to play, he might not reach his full potential.
Conclusion
The exclusion of Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber from Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen‘s squads has raised questions about their future at their new clubs. While there might be valid reasons for their exclusion, Mikel Arteta risks facing criticism if Arsenal suffers injuries in the left-back position or if Calafiori’s development as a player is hindered by lack of playing time.
