Jurrien Timber returns to first team training ahead of Champions League final

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Jurrien Timber has returned to full first-team training and could be in contention for Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest.

According to various reports, the Dutch defender came through yesterday’s training session unscathed at London Colney, marking his potential return after missing action since mid-March due to an unspecified injury.

Arsenal will train again today before flying to Budapest this afternoon, where they’ll hold their final preparation session at the Puskas Arena tomorrow ahead of the showpiece final.

Timber’s injury absence

The 25-year-old’s extended absence has forced Arsenal to shuffle their defensive options throughout the crucial final weeks of the season. Ben White initially filled the void until suffering medial knee ligament damage in the 1-0 victory over West Ham earlier this month.

Cristhian Mosquera stepped in for the win against Burnley, while Martin Zubimendi was deployed at right-back in the final game of the season, though Arteta heavily rotated his squad for that fixture.

Timber’s selection for the Netherlands’ upcoming World Cup campaign suggests growing confidence in his recovery, providing a positive sign for both club and country.

Selection dilemma for Arteta

The manager now faces a significant decision over whether to risk selecting a player who may not be at full match fitness against PSG’s star-studded attacking lineup. The French giants are likely to target any perceived weakness in Arsenal’s defensive setup.

Beyond Timber’s fitness concerns, Arsenal appear to have no other major injury worries heading into the final. Despite recent scares, Noni Madueke and David Raya are both available, while Mikel Merino made his return from a three-month absence with a late cameo at Selhurst Park.

The timing of Timber’s return couldn’t be more crucial, with the defender widely regarded as Arsenal’s first-choice right-back when fully fit. His pace, defensive awareness, and ability to contribute in attack make him a key component of Arteta’s tactical setup.

Arsenal will hold final discussions about team selection once they arrive in Hungary, with the manager expected to address the media ahead of the weekend’s clash. The decision on Timber could prove pivotal in determining how the Gunners approach their biggest match of the season.