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Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has been named in the starting XI for the huge Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

The Dutchman missed the win over Brighton after suffering an issue in the Carabao Cup triumph over Crystal Palace a few days earlier. His return serves as a big boost to Mikel Arteta with Declan Rice missing out with a knee injury.

Timber's absence was a big one for the Gunners when the Seagulls visited Emirates Stadium, but his side managed to come through with three points and ensure they remain at the top of the Premier League table.

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Rice misses out with what has been described by Sky Sports as a 'minor kee injury that is not too serious' while another big boost for the Gunners arrives in the form of Kai Havertz being on the substitute's bench for the first time this season.

Gabriel Magalhaes partners William Saliba in the former's first start since recovering from an injury of his own as Arteta gradually gets players back fit, with Ben White on the bench after a hamstring injury.

"Jurrien landed awkwardly and there's something with Richy (Calafiori)," Arteta said in the aftermath of the Brighton game.

"It’s very, very strange but you speak to Declan and tell him he needs to play as a right wing (back), and he said, "Okay, I'm up for a challenge, I'm going to do my best.

"The attitude is great to witness. "At the moment we survived six months, so let's see, there's another five and a half to go, so hopefully things will get better."

Timber has bounced back from an anterior cruciate ligament suffered on his debut for the Gunners after signing from Ajax in 2023 to become a key player for Arteta's side.

"Extraordinary," Arteta said of the 24 year-old.

"For me, he's been phenomenal in every department. I think he's taken his level and the team's level to a different dimension, against his opponents, the way he penetrates, the way he wins duels, the way he understands the game, the way he wants to make things happen.

"A big example for the rest of his teammates."

Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Merino, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres.

Subs: Arrizabalaga, White, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Eze, Martinelli, Madueke, Havertz, Jesus.