Former Wimbledon junior champion Laura Robson does not think Henry Searle will come under the same pressure to succeed as she did after his win at SW19 this summer.
Searle won the boys’ title at the All England Club 15 years on from when Robson triumphed in the girls’ tournament and expectations are high for the 17-year-old from Wolverhampton.
Winning a home grand slam at such a young age can often be a burden and with British tennis still searching for its next star at the time Robson found herself under undue pressure to quickly transition into the women’s game.
She was making a good fist of it, reaching the fourth round at the US Open and Wimbledon, as well as winning Olympic silver in the mixed doubles in 2012, until injury ruined her career and forced an early retirement.
Searle’s Wimbledon victory was exciting, but with Andy Murray, Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans and Jack Draper all established on the main tour, Robson says there is no rush for him.
“I don’t think you can compare it to my title in any way because 2008 is such a long time ago,” she told the PA news agency.
“I think people were unnecessarily excited because British tennis wasn’t what it was today, there are so many top players in the men’s and women’s side.
“It wasn’t the same when I played. I just feel like he is going to have so many people to lean on, from Andy all the way to Jack Draper, who is not too far away from him age wise. If there is as little pressure as possible, then great.
“He just seems like he has got such a good head on his shoulders. It is a really special moment for him, I just hope he soaks it up and continues to improve.
“He needs to keep as much joy as possible because that is what is most important as you try and transition from juniors to seniors because it is very tough but it seems like he has got such a good head on his shoulders.
“The more you can keep it the same and keep doing the same sort of training and effort into every session the better he is going to do. It seems like his team knows what they are doing.”
It could be easy for Robson to be bitter about having her career taken away from her by injury.
Just months after reaching her career high ranking of 27 she suffered a wrist problem in early 2014 and was never properly fully fit again for a sustained length of time. Hip surgery in 2018 proved too difficult to overcome and after several years out, she officially retired in 2022.
She has not dwelled on her bad luck, though, forging a career in television and also has taken her first steps into tennis administration, working as a player liaison at Wimbledon and being the tournament director of the WTA event at Nottingham.
View this post on Instagram“I will always miss it but I have a different appreciation for it now,” Robson said. “It definitely took me some time but I knew for a good amount of time before I officially retired that I knew I wasn’t going to be playing so I had that whole journey before having to tell anyone, which makes it a lot nicer.
“I was at home, I was chilling with the dog and getting used to not picking up a racket every day and not going to the gym and rehab and just to have that couple of months to myself made it a lot easier.
“To announce it officially got rid of a lot of the emotions because people were always asking if I was going to play again. Since announcing I have been totally fine with it and I have been very, very busy, which always helps.”
The 29-year-old also held a coaching clinic at Wimbledon for players who did not make it to the finals of the Play Your Way To Wimbledon – a national competition with regional and county rounds.
View this post on InstagramThis year’s competition included categories for adults’ doubles pathway, visually impaired, wheelchair and learning disability tennis, which Robson believes is important for Wimbledon.
“It has been really fun, just to see the excitement on all of their faces at playing at Wimbledon for the first time,” Robson said.
“They were just enjoying themselves. To see so many different age groups and categories now, I feel like the more we can open Wimbledon up to people who think it is a little bit inaccessible or is a bit stiff, the better.”
:: Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is the UK’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition and is delivered by Vodafone in partnership with the LTA and The All England Lawn Tennis Club, forming part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to support grassroots tennis in the UK, whilst encouraging more people to pick up a racket.
Dickie Bird has paid tribute to his “dearest friend” Sir Michael Parkinson following the chat show host’s death after a brief illness, aged 88.
The pair became friends when they opened the batting together for Barnsley Cricket Club as youngsters and they spoke on the phone earlier this week, just a few days before Parkinson’s death.
“I am stunned, I am really stunned. I only spoke to him on the other morning,” former Yorkshire batter and umpire Bird, himself 90, told the PA news agency.
“I could tell his voice was very, very weak. We said our goodbyes. His son had rung me a few days ago and he said it was a matter of time.
“We were so, so close. His friendship meant more to me than anything else. It meant so much to me. Our friendship, if I wanted any advice I would ring Parky up. He helped me in so many, many ways. Our friendship was so close.
“We were friends since we were youngsters, his father and my father worked down the mines together in Barnsley and we have been friends all of our lives. We opened the innings for Barnsley Cricket Club together before I went on to play for Yorkshire. Our fathers used to come and watch and argue about who was the best.
“I shall miss him, I’ll tell you that. Not only was he a friend but he was a dear friend and I just don’t know how I will cope, I will miss him so much. There will never be another Parky.”
While Bird enjoyed the limelight through his cricketing exploits, Parkinson become one of the most recognisable faces in the country as a chat show host, interviewing some of the biggest names in the world.
Bird said that Parkinson was the best there will ever be and that fame did not change him.
“There will never be a chat show host like Michael Parkinson. He was the best,” a tearful Bird added. “There will never be anyone better than him in your lifetime, my lifetime or anyone else’s lifetime.
“He was the very best, like Garfield Sobers in cricket. He will go down as a legend, the best chat show there has ever been.
“In my book he never changed. We kept our friendship all of the time, we kept seeing each other. Our friendship will always stand. To me he will always be my closest friend and my dearest friend.”
Former England batter Sir Geoffrey Boycott also played at Barnsley alongside Parkinson and Bird and described Sir Michael as “the soul of Yorkshire”.
He told GB News: “He was the best chat show host because he listened to people. He not only asked questions but he listened to them and he actually liked them.
“In fact, he didn’t want them on his show unless he wanted to have them.
“He never lost his Yorkshire roots. Michael was Yorkshire in every way and he was the soul of Yorkshire. He understood how we think, how we talk and that’s why he was able to write about Yorkshire people like me.”
Sir Geoffrey recalled having dinner with Sir Michael and his wife Mary after a Lords Test match on a Saturday, adding: “Sunday mornings, we’d go cricket coaching in the fields with his kids.
“He was just a lovely man. He loved cricket, he loved laughter – he would laugh about himself with the emu.
“He never lost his humour, his warmth, his Yorkshire in him that made him great.”
In April, Parkinson attended the 90th birthday party of Bird at Headingley, and former England fast bowler Darren Gough paid tribute to the broadcaster he regarded as a close friend.
Gough, Yorkshire managing director of cricket, said: “He was a Barnsley boy, like myself, and it was an absolute pleasure to know him and his family.
“We are all devastated here at Yorkshire and thoughts of everyone at the Club are with Sir Michael’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Barnsley Football Club also paid their respects, saying on Twitter: “Barnsley Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Parkinson CBE.
“The town has lost one of its favourite sons, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Parkinson interviewed a number of high-profile sportspeople, most notably former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali – widely regarded as the greatest boxer of all-time – with whom he had a couple of tense exchanges in the 1970s.
It was on Parkinson’s show in 2008 where Victoria Beckham – husband of former England captain David – revealed she referred to the ex-midfielder as ‘Golden Balls’, a nickname with which he would become synonymous.
Cole Palmer would love to stay and play for Manchester City but the homegrown talent admits his future is up in the air as he wants regular football.
The 21-year-old has been with the club since Under-8s level and progressed through the academy ranks, going on to make his first-team debut in September 2020.
But Palmer has found opportunities limited due to the fierce competition at City and has been linked with a summer move on the back of his role in England Under-21s’ European Championship triumph.
The forward got the starts he craved in the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup, scoring in both matches and being named man of the match for his role in the latter match.
Pep Guardiola praised Palmer after his performance in Wednesday’s Piraeus shoot-out triumph but offered no certainty on his City future beyond the fact he would not be sent out on loan.
“I have no idea (what the future holds),” Palmer said at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, where his looping header sealed a 1-1 draw that his side followed with a 5-4 spot-kick win.
“I just want to play football. So whatever the best decision is when we speak together, that is what I will do.
“Obviously the best scenario is to stay at City and play but obviously you know what the competition is like, if they bring someone in…”
Palmer puffed his cheeks out before continuing: “I don’t know. I just want to play regularly, like lots of minutes and stuff so we will see.”
He has reportedly attracted interest from the likes of West Ham, Burnley and Leicester, as well as ever-improving Brighton.
This certainly looks an important stage in the 21-year-old’s career, especially after a combination of injury and competition restricted him to just seven starts last term.
“This summer I was playing a lot and when we came back I was given the opportunity twice,” Palmer said.
“I have always been confident but it’s more rhythm, match sharpness and stuff like that. It really helps when you are playing consistently.
“Obviously it’s been a couple of good games for me, but I don’t know. I will have to see what the future holds.”
While Palmer ponders whether his future lies away from the Etihad Stadium, new signing Josko Gvardiol is just getting started. The 21-year-old joined City from RB Leipzig earlier this month for £77.6million and, having come off the bench to make his debut at Burnley on Friday, ended his first start with silverware.
“I’m feeling amazing,” Croatia defender Gvardiol said. “First game and first trophy, I couldn’t imagine a better start. I think it’s just the first of many.
“We are aware that we don’t have the opportunity to fight for this trophy every day. We had a chance and we took it.
“We know there is a reason they are in the final. They have to know our qualities. We deserved it. We can celebrate.”
City are likely to be active in the transfer market before the window closes and the PA news agency understands Boca Juniors’ Valentin Barco is among those of interest. The 19-year-old left-back came through the Buenos Aires giants’ youth system and is also said to be on Brighton’s radar.
Paddington, Mostahdaf and Desert Crown all feature among eight confirmations for what promises to be a blockbuster Juddmonte International Stakes at York on Wednesday.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Paddington has won each of his six starts this term, with his last four victories at Group One level in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes, Eclipse and Sussex Stakes.
He is set to return to the Eclipse trip of 10 furlongs on the Knavesmire, where Prince of Wales’s Stakes hero Mostahdaf heads the opposition for John and Thady Gosden.
The five-year-old was a four-length winner at Royal Ascot and he is set to be partnered for the first time by Frankie Dettori, as regular rider Jim Crowley serves a 20-day whip suspension.
Last year’s Derby hero Desert Crown was forced to sidestep the Prince of Wales’s due to a late setback, but he is in the mix following a satisfactory piece on work on Wednesday morning.
He could be joined by fellow Sir Michael Stoute-trained runner Bay Bridge, who finished fifth behind Mostahdaf at Ascot.
The Gosden team also has a second contender in Nashwa, winner of the Falmouth Stakes and third in the Nassau last time out, while Mostahdaf’s owner Shadwell also has another possible in Alflaila, although they have indicated it is unlikely both their horses will run.
O’Brien also has Point Lonsdale in contention while the prospective field is completed by The Foxes, who finished second in the Belmont Derby for Andrew Balding last time out.
St Leger hopes will be on the line in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes, with the Gosden-trained Gregory the key name following his Queen’s Vase verdict at Royal Ascot.
Godolphin rely on the Charlie Appleby-trained Castle Way after his narrow Bahrain Trophy success over Tower Of London.
That colt again features for O’Brien, who has five potential runners out of a list of 10, with Adelaide River and Continuous also confirmed.
Derby fourth Sprewell could represent Jessica Harrington, with Gordon Stakes third and fourth, Canberra Legend and Artistic Star, possibly crossing swords again.
Owen Farrell’s participation in the World Cup is in renewed doubt after World Rugby appealed against the decision to overturn his red card from Saturday’s clash with Wales.
An independent disciplinary panel caused an outcry on Tuesday when it cleared the England captain to play despite his shoulder-led tackle to the head of Taine Basham that was expected to result in a significant ban.
But, having examined the written judgement of the hearing, World Rugby believes there is grounds for an appeal, the details of which have yet to be confirmed.
King Of Steel will head to the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes next with connections deciding to stick to their original plan.
The Derby second and King George third, who has also won the King Edward VII Stakes this season, had been given the option of taking on Paddington and Mostahdaf in the Juddmonte International at York next week.
However, the Roger Varian-trained colt was not confirmed for the York highlight and he will drop down to 10 furlongs at Leopardstown on September 9.
“We didn’t confirm him today for York,” said Tom Pennington, racing manager for owners, Amo Racing.
“I know when you look at the prize money and think it could be quite a small field, you might get a bit carried away, but we are going back to what was always Plan A and go to Ireland.
“We’ve been patient with him all the way along and I don’t think another couple of weeks is going to do us any harm.
“He’s in good form and he’s on the right track, we’re very happy with him.
“He is a particularly big horse but he’s beautifully proportioned and he’s very well balanced, not many horses that size can go round Tattenham Corner but he floated round there.
“When you look at his size, touch wood, he should be even better again next year and we’re playing the long game with him.”
Keira Walsh vowed England are determined to honour their injured team-mates and “get the job done” when they face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final.
This is the furthest the Lionesses have ever advanced in a global showpiece, with Wednesday’s 3-1 semi-final victory over co-hosts Australia assuring them of at least one place higher than the bronze medal achieved eight years ago in Canada.
England have reached this unprecedented stage without Euro 2022-winning captain Leah Williamson, that tournament’s Golden Boot winner Beth Mead, and one of the game’s most creative attackers in Fran Kirby, all of whom were ruled out of this event with knee injuries.
“I think it is difficult for them,” said Walsh, who started every game of the Euros triumph alongside that trio.
“Obviously when you think about it, they would want nothing more than to be here. It is probably a bit bittersweet. They want us to win and we would want them to be here as well. Leah, Beth and Fran have been really supportive.
“They have messaged after every game. For us, hopefully we can get the job done on Sunday and make them proud of us. I think you are obviously a little bit nervous, but it’s a World Cup final. I think you have just got to enjoy the moment.
“Leah texted me and Georgia (Stanway) and she said ‘just enjoy it. It’s not every day you are playing in the semi-final of a World Cup.’ It will be the same on Sunday.
“When you look back to the Euros, that was probably the most excited everyone has been, the vibes were really good and positive. Hopefully we can have that on Sunday. For me, the most important thing is the girls just enjoy it and take it all in. Live in the moment, because it doesn’t happen every day.”
The PA news agency understands Williamson plans to attend the final, while Mead and Kirby will continue their recovery in England.
Walsh will be well-acquainted with multiple members of the Spain squad who the Lionesses will face at the 75,000-plus capacity Stadium Australia.
Nine of them play with both Walsh and England defender Lucy Bronze at Barcelona, who won the Champions League final in June.
Asked if that might mean Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman could be turning to her for advice ahead of the monumental match, Walsh replied: “I imagine so, I think she will. But then the girls know about me and Lucy, so it works both ways.
“The Barca girls are obviously unbelievable players and I am sure whatever I say, they will probably come up with something different because they are very special players. But we have got full belief in ourselves and what we can do. Looking forward to it.”
While Walsh is a shoo-in for Sunday’s starting XI, Wiegman, who led Netherlands to the final four years ago, does face one particularly potent dilemma.
Lauren James scored three goals and picked up the same number of assists before she was sent off late in the second half of England’s last-16 victory over Nigeria.
She has now served the two-game ban she was issued for stepping on the back of defender Michelle Alozie, and would be available to start the most important match in Lionesses’ history.
Ella Toone has stepped in for the quarter-final and semi-final, scoring the opener on Wednesday and in the process making her boss’ decision more difficult.
Walsh said: “I think obviously people are going to speak about that, but I think everyone has got to give Tooney credit. She has come back in and she has done an unbelievable job again.
“People probably won’t speak about it too much, but it’s not easy to come in for a quarter-final or semi-final when all the spotlight has been on the player’s place you are taking.
“I think she was unbelievable. She tackled, she got stuck in, she took us up the pitch, she gave us a lot of security. LJ is a massive talent, but I think we have got to put some respect on Tooney’s name as well. She has been fantastic.”
Yorkshire have paid tribute to Sir Michael Parkinson following the television chat show host’s death after a brief illness, aged 88.
Before his famous broadcasting career got off the ground, Parkinson and Barnsley Cricket Club opening partner Dickie Bird had trials at Yorkshire alongside future England batter Geoffrey Boycott.
Parkinson once kept Boycott out of his hometown Barnsley team but the pair, plus Bird, a former umpire and one of the most recognisable figures in cricket, established lifelong friendships with each other.
Indeed, in April, Parkinson attended the 90th birthday of Bird at Headingley, and former England fast bowler Darren Gough paid tribute to the broadcaster who he regarded as a close friend.
Gough, Yorkshire managing director of cricket, said: “He was a Barnsley boy, like myself, and it was an absolute pleasure to know him and his family.
“We are all devastated here at Yorkshire and thoughts of everyone at the Club are with Sir Michael’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Barnsley Football Club also paid their respects, saying on Twitter: “Barnsley Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Parkinson CBE.
“The town has lost one of its favourite sons, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Parkinson interviewed a number of high-profile sportspeople, most notably former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali – widely regarded as the greatest boxer of all-time – with whom he had a couple of tense exchanges in the 1970s.
It was on Parkinson’s show in 2008 where Victoria Beckham – husband of former England captain David – revealed she referred to the ex-midfielder as ‘Golden Balls’, a nicknamed he would become synonymous with.
The World Championships start in Budapest on Saturday – just a year after the rearranged 2022 edition in Eugene.
Here, the PA news agency looks at the four international stars to watch in Hungary.
Shericka Jackson (Jamaica)
Jackson continues to impress and is the fastest in the world this year after clocking 10.65 seconds over 10 metres at the Jamaican championships.
It put her joint fifth on the all-time list, 0.16 seconds off Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 35-year-old world record.
Jackson won silver in the 100m at last year’s Worlds and will be gunning for Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s title this time around.
Wayde Van Niekerk (South Africa)
The 2016 Olympic and 2017 world champion has fought back from a ruptured ACL, which he suffered playing a charity touch rugby game in 2017.
His 400m time of 44.17secs puts him second on the list this year, behind Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga.
He missed the 2019 World Championships and failed to reach the 400m final at Tokyo 2020 but finished fifth in the final at last year’s Worlds.
Mondo Duplantis (Sweden)
The Swede broke his own world pole vault record at last year’s Championships in Eugene, clearing 6.21 metres, and registered 6.22m earlier this year to increase the mark.
Duplantis, who was born in the United States, is also the reigning European outdoor and indoor champion to hold all the major titles available to him.
It would be a major shock if the 23-year-old was beaten in Budapest.
Femke Bol (Netherlands)
A world-leading time of 52.30secs in the 400m hurdles has the 23-year-old clear favourite for the title.
With Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone having withdrawn from the competition, the path is clear for Bol to improve on last year’s silver.
A bronze in Tokyo and last year’s European gold in Munich marks Bol as one of the world’s best.
Bucanero Fuerte has further Group One riches and a crack at the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes in his sights following his impressive success in the Phoenix Stakes.
The Adrian Murray-trained youngster started off his racing career at the Curragh and following a fine effort in defeat when making the podium at Royal Ascot, he has dominated proceedings in two outings at the Kildare track of late.
A game winner of the Group Two Railway Stakes on his penultimate start, he took his form to the next level when tried in Group One company for the first time, storming clear of the opposition to register a commanding four-length success in the hands of Kevin Stott.
The son of Wootton Bassett is now set for a step up to seven furlongs back at the Curragh on September 10.
“He progressed well from the Railway thankfully and he still seems to be on an upward curve,” said Murray.
“It looks like it will be the National Stakes next, that will be our target at the minute. We think he could improve for stepping up an extra furlong. He hit the line very well the other day. You would be expecting improvement again.
“He’s made great progress right through the year. He’s improving physically and to look at him, he’s a bigger and stronger horse and has muscled up well. We are very happy with him.”
Bucanero Fuerte became the first horse since Siskin to win both the Railway and Phoenix Stakes and a bold showing up in trip on his next start will have connections beginning to dream of Classic success in 2024.
Murray added: “We will be thinking he should get a mile. For us it’s been a rollercoaster, because you start off winning your maiden and you are not expecting to go as well as we are going.
“If he keeps on improving, you have to be thinking next year he is going to be a nice horse and he should be a miler.
“He’s not your typical two-year-old and he’s a big, big horse. He’s a big, scopey horse and you would think he’s a three-year-old to look at him.
“It looks good moving forward and we are very happy with him. If he keeps on improving the way he is, he’ll definitely be stepping into the big races.”
Great Britain’s medal prospects are in the final countdown to the World Championships in Budapest, which starts on Saturday.
They won seven medals but just one gold – Jake Wightman’s shock 1500m triumph – at last year’s rearranged edition in Eugene and will be looking to improve on that tally.
Here, the PA news agency looks at some of those who will be challenging for the podium in Hungary.
Hughes looking to make mark
Zharnel Hughes won the 100m and 200m at the British Championships (Martin Rickett/PA)
The fastest man in the world this year, Hughes is in the form of his life. He broke Linford Christie’s 30-year 100m record by running 9.83 seconds in New York in June.
Just a month later he broke John Regis’ 200m record – clocking 19.73 seconds – at the London Diamond League. His sights are now set on a first individual world medal, having claimed 200m European gold last year after 2018’s 100m European victory.
The 100m and 200m fields remain open. Defending 200m champion Noah Lyles and 100m holder Fred Kerley, along with Trayvon Bromell and Erriyon Knighton, will all fancy their chances, but Hughes can challenge.
Muir aims to bounce back
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The Scot – named Great Britain’s captain on Tuesday – suffered a shock defeat in the 1500m at the British Championships last month when she finished second to Katie Snowden.
Muir, who has won Olympic and World silver, split with long-term coach Andy Young earlier this year and has been coached by Steve Vernon in the build up to Budapest.
She was clearly upset after defeat in Manchester but has the experience and composure to recover and reach the podium this month having said she is now competing happy.
Daryll v Dina
Great Britain have a duo who, although they downplay their rivalry, can create some serious headlines.
Daryll Neita has beaten Dina Asher-Smith – the 2019 world champion – over 200m this year as she gets to grips with the event, while Asher-Smith remains one of the world’s best.
Neita’s decision to move to Italy under coach Marco Airale has paid off handsomely and she can now rival Asher-Smith to become number one.
Hodgkinson’s battle
The 21-year-old’s contest with Athing Mu and Mary Moraa for the 800m title could be one of the races of the Championships.
The United States’ Mu beat Hodgkinson to gold at the Olympics and last year’s Worlds, while Kenyan Moraa got the better of her in the Diamond League last month. Yet, this month, Mu’s coach admitted she had not committed to running in Hungary.
Hodgkinson, though, keeps improving and, having narrowed the gap on Mu last year, will be confident she can beat her this time around – if the American competes.
Johnson-Thompson eyeing her biggest comeback
The 2019 world heptathlon champion has had little luck since that glorious evening in Doha.
Covid postponed the 2020 Olympics just when she looked set to challenge Nafi Thiam for gold before an Achilles rupture later that year. She battled back to reach Tokyo, only for a calf injury to wreck her dreams in Japan but she did defend her Commonwealth title last year.
With defending champion Thiam out and Johnson-Thompson fit and ready, the podium is well within reach.
Mikel Arteta has not ruled out returning to the transfer market as he expects Arsenal to be without Jurrien Timber for the season after the summer signing suffered a knee injury against Nottingham Forest.
It was confirmed earlier in the week that Dutch defender Timber will go under the knife after tests showed ligament damage – with Arteta also insisting the number of serious injuries suffered so early into the campaign is a “big worry” for player welfare.
Timber limped out of Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win over Forest on Saturday, with the club confirming on Wednesday he suffered ligament damage.
The PA news agency understands Timber felt no immediate pain after a challenge with Brennan Johnson just before half-time and underwent stringent tests during the interval.
Club medical staff believe the outcome of the injury would not have changed had he been substituted immediately instead of playing on for five minutes of the second half before being replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Asked about Timber’s situation, Arteta said: “Huge blow. Especially for him after just joining the club. To have the injury he has is a huge blow.
“It is for the team because we recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident and he’s not going to be able to do it this season for us. We have to adapt. These things happen unfortunately and we have to move on.
“He’s been very good to be honest. He’s a special character. He knows, he’s starting to realise the extent of the injury and the amount of time he’s going to be out. But he’s in a good place. We are willing to help him obviously and be close to him, but we know it’s going to be a long journey.”
Kieran Tierney appeared set to depart the Emirates Stadium this season but, with Timber now sidelined and Oleksandr Zinchenko struggling for fitness, the Scotland left-back could now be retained.
Arteta, too, suggested Arsenal could dip their toe back into the market following the injury setback.
“We didn’t plan with this injury. We have to assess what the options are, what are the best players that we have because, as I said, my challenge is to get the best from the players that we have. I cannot assess anyone who is not here.
“We are always open and we have to be open as well to react if something happens, not only with an injury but if something happens in the market as well. That’s what we’re doing.”
Timber was not the only player to suffer serious injury in the opening weeks of the new season, with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa also forced off.
Arteta also highlighted a number of other injury issues when asked if the problems could link back to the amount of football that players are being asked to complete.
“Also Emi Buendia, (Thibaut) Courtois, it happened to (Eder) Militao as well – there is something there,” he added.
“In the past you can say: ‘yes there have been games, there have been tours as well’. But with games, tours, the World Cup in January, plus this, plus that, plus internationals. It is a lot. It is too much for the players.
“It is incredibly demanding, when you see the next 36 months of the calender for these players it is just better not to look at it because it is incredible what they are going to be doing.
“We have to look after them but, as a club, when do you look after them? To prioritise other competitions? Then we are the ones that have to look after them – what we really need is to be sitting down (discussing plans), but I think it is too late, at least for the next 36 months it is too late already.
“I don’t know who needs to raise a voice here, but there are worries, big worries on that.”
Erling Haaland is one of three members of Manchester City’s treble-winning team to be nominated for the Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Player of the Year award.
The 23-year-old Norway striker was a sensation in his debut season in English football, scoring 52 goals in all competitions as Pep Guardiola’s side won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
Haaland is joined on the six-man shortlist by Belgium playmaker Kevin De Bruyne and England international John Stones.
The Barnsley-born player, 29, was a revelation as Guardiola pushed him up from defence into midfield last season.
Arsenal were City’s closest challengers in the Premier League last term and two of their star performers, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, are also on the list.
England winger Saka enjoyed his finest season to date, scoring 14 goals for the Gunners and contributing 11 assists.
Norway international Odegaard led by example as Arsenal captain and hit 15 goals and added seven assists.
The only player on the list from outside the Premier League’s top two in 2022-23 was Harry Kane.
The England captain, who has since completed a summer move to German champions Bayern Munich, hit 30 top-flight goals last season for Tottenham, second only to Haaland’s tally of 36.
Former England captain Faye White praised the Lionesses for being “calm and composed” during their Women’s World Cup semi-final victory against Australia.
England reached their first World Cup final and will play Spain for the trophy on Sunday after Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo secured a 3-1 victory over the tournament co-hosts in Sydney, where Australia captain Sam Kerr had equalised with a stunning individual goal after half-time.
Ex-Arsenal defender White, who earned 90 England caps, said on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We have had so many different challenges and styles of play to (come up) against in this tournament already and then dealing with the hosts…
“(Look at) how calm and composed the team were during that performance, even when Sam Kerr did that fantastic strike in the back of their net they still knew they could go again.”
When asked for her predictions for Sunday’s final, White added: “It is Spain and we know how many Champions League winners they have in their team.
“Yes they haven’t done that on the world stage. It is their first time in a final and it is England’s first time in a World Cup final but they’ve had that European success.
“England are the only team that haven’t lost, though. When you look at the opponents, Spain did lose and they do concede goals. I think most games they’ve conceded a goal. So there’s hope and I believe England can do it.”
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