Arteta's Arsenal Boosted by Timber's Fitness for Champions League Final
Mikel Arteta will walk out in Budapest with one significant worry removed from his mind. Jurrien Timber, the defender whose fitness had hovered over Arsenal’s Champions League final preparations, has been declared ready to start against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Arsenal manager delivered the update in his pre-match press conference, confirming that Timber has shaken off a groin problem in time for Saturday’s showpiece at the Puskas Arena. The Dutchman travelled with the squad to Hungary, and the cautious optimism around his involvement has now turned into something far more concrete.
For a team chasing the greatest club prize of all, it is a timely lift.
Arsenal switch from title celebrations to European business
The mood around Arsenal has been buoyant all week. Arteta’s players have just come off the high of sealing the Premier League title, collecting the trophy at Selhurst Park last weekend after a relentless domestic campaign.
There is no parade in Budapest, though. The celebrations have been packed away, replaced by tight, focused sessions as the squad complete their final preparations in Hungary. PSG, the reigning champions, wait on Saturday evening, kick-off at 5pm, with Arsenal looking to turn a memorable season into an unforgettable one.
Timber ready to return
Timber’s availability changes the feel of Arteta’s defensive options. Listed with a groin injury in the build-up, the full-back had been a doubt, but the manager’s confirmation that he is fit to start suggests Arsenal are prepared to lean on him from the first whistle rather than ease him back from the bench.
For a final of this magnitude, that matters. It gives Arteta greater balance at the back and more flexibility in how he structures his build-up play against a PSG side that punishes any hesitation.
Raya set to return in goal
Behind Timber, Arsenal also expect to have their first-choice goalkeeper back. David Raya sat out the final Premier League game of the season against Crystal Palace with a combination of back, glute and shoulder issues, a late-season tangle of knocks that forced him to watch the title coronation from the sidelines.
The club now anticipate he will be available for selection in Budapest. For a team that has built much of its calm under pressure from the back, Raya’s return would restore familiarity on the biggest night of the campaign.
Madueke cleared after late scare
There was another scare on the final day against Palace when Noni Madueke pulled up with a hamstring concern and was withdrawn. Early indications suggested the change was precautionary rather than catastrophic, and Arteta has now eased any lingering doubts.
Speaking ahead of the final, he confirmed the England international is fine. That keeps Arsenal’s wide options intact for a game that could be decided by one moment of acceleration, one defender beaten on the outside.
White ruled out
Not every story from the treatment room is positive. Ben White, such a consistent presence this season, will not feature. The defender suffered a significant knee injury in the win over West Ham United, an issue serious enough to bring his campaign to an abrupt and painful halt.
His absence strips Arteta of a trusted, versatile option on the right side of defence and in build-up, a loss that will be felt most keenly if the final turns into the kind of tactical chess match where details decide everything.
Arsenal arrive in Budapest as champions of England and challengers of Europe, armed with good news on key players and one glaring omission. Now the question is simple: with Timber back, Raya expected to return, and Madueke cleared, can this squad finish the season by taking the one step that has eluded the club for generations?
