Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber could make a long-awaited return this month and a rule change by the Premier League could see him do so with as many as five senior teammates at youth level. Arsenal have opted for behind-closed-door friendlies on numerous occasions as Mikel Arteta has looked to make the most of time away from domestic action. Either during international breaks or even just extended periods without matches due to a multitude of reasons, the Gunners have faced the likes of Watford, Brentford, Ipswich Town and even this season against Luton Town to help give minutes to players needing time on the field. Chelsea’s late FA Cup win over Leeds United led to their trip to the Emirates Stadium being postponed following their progression to the quarter-finals, which is due to take place on the weekend of March 16 when the two London clubs were meant to face off. This will mean that following the Champions League second leg last-16 clash with FC Porto, Arsenal will have a 19-day break from action – that includes the March international interruption – before they travel to the Etihad Stadium for their title bout with Manchester City.
This time off from action was put to Mikel Arteta during his pre-match press conference as the Spaniard was asked whether a friendly could indeed take place. Arteta did not outright confirm nor deny the chances of a friendly, although made it sound like some players could do with some time on the field.”Players would have different demands, the majority of them would have international matches as well, and international training sessions,” he said. “So, I don’t think it’s going to be a case of needing more minutes, I believe there are three or four particular cases and I’m sure we can address that.” There are ways in which these players can be given time without organising a friendly. With Arsenal now not playing a senior match on the weekend of March 16, a Premier League rule change in 2022 means that as many of six senior players can feature in the Under-21s Premier League 2 (PL2) after its transition from an Under-23s format. A statement on the Premier League website read: “Clubs will, however, be permitted to use five (previously three) over-age outfield players and one over-age goalkeeper, in order to transition from its Under-23 format.
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