Arsenal defender set for first start of the season vs Brighton

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is poised to make his first start of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.

The Netherlands international has struggled with a nagging groin issue since the start of the year, and it contributed to his withdrawal from the World Cup squad this summer.

Timber also did not feature in pre-season, and he only recently made his first appearance for the club this term. He came on as a substitute for Ben White against Sunderland away from home last weekend.

The Dutchman was not involved against Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup in midweek as a precautionary measure, but he looks poised to make his first start of the campaign against Brighton on the road.

Timber was previously the undisputed right-back for the Gunners under manager Mikel Arteta and has the opportunity to reclaim that position from Ben White, who is currently out with a groin issue of his own.