Arsenal fans were left wondering about the absence of Jurrien Timber from the starting lineup against Bournemouth. Football.london understands that the young defender picked up a minor knock during Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain. While the injury isn't considered serious, manager Mikel Arteta opted to rest Timber as a precaution ahead of the crucial second leg. The decision to leave Timber out of the Bournemouth match highlights Arteta's prioritization of the Champions League tie. With a narrow 1-0 deficit to overcome in Paris, Arteta's strategic choice aims to ensure Timber's full fitness for the return leg, particularly given the threat posed by PSG's attacking talent, including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Ben White capably filled in for Timber against Bournemouth, demonstrating the squad's depth. Despite the absence, Arsenal fielded a strong starting XI, including key players like Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Declan Rice. Rice's presence was significant, marking his 100th appearance for the club since joining last season. In contrast to Arteta's cautious approach, PSG manager Luis Enrique rotated his squad considerably for their Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg. Several key players were rested, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, and Marquinhos. However, the absence of Ousmane Dembele due to a hamstring injury sustained during the first leg against Arsenal poses a significant concern for PSG. The contrasting approaches highlight the different strategic priorities of both managers. Arteta’s decision to rest Timber carries a risk, as a new injury in the Bournemouth game could derail his plans for the second leg. However, the manager has prioritized the semi-final by carefully managing his squad’s workload and ensuring key players are at peak performance when facing PSG. The focus remains on securing a place in the Champions League final. Arsenal's win against Bournemouth, despite Timber's absence, further bolsters their chances of success, indicating the team's strength and depth.