Jurrien Timber has made a significant return to first-team training as Arsenal prepares for their Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The Dutch international had been sidelined since the victory over Everton in March, missing 14 games due to a persistent groin injury. His absence has been keenly felt at right-back, especially after Ben White suffered a season-ending knee injury, presenting Mikel Arteta with a major selection dilemma.
Timber joined his teammates in individual training earlier this week, participating in the session on Wednesday without any issues. This development suggests he could be in contention to make his return against the European champions in Budapest on Saturday.
The former Ajax star was recently included in the Netherlands squad for the World Cup, having missed the last two months of action due to his injury. On Wednesday evening, Dutch manager Ronald Koeman confirmed that Timber is set to train with his club teammates.
‘The situation with him is that he was due to train with the squad today, to see how things look ahead of the weekend,’ Koeman said. ‘They have the Champions League final on Saturday. We’ll have to wait and see if he’ll make it.’
It remains uncertain whether Timber will be fit enough to start against PSG, where he will face one of the best wingers in world football, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Declan Rice has been used at right-back twice this season, while Martin Zubimendi took on the unfamiliar role during Sunday’s match against Crystal Palace in a significantly altered starting XI.
Cristhian Mosquera has filled in for Timber and White, impressively stepping into the right-back position after being moved from centre-half. Emmanuel Eboue, who started at right-back the last time Arsenal were in a Champions League final 20 years ago, has advised Arteta to maintain faith in the former Villarreal player. However, Eboue is not convinced that Timber will be ready to start after such an extended layoff.
‘Timber will want to play,’ Eboue said. ‘As a player, your dream is to play the Champions League final. I think for him, he will want 100 per cent want to start. But he has not played for a long time. He has to wait a little bit then we can see. The PSG team, they are so strong and so fast, so I think it is better for Arteta to leave him on the bench.’
The upcoming match presents a crucial test for Arteta, who must balance the need for a strong defensive line with the potential return of key players. With the Champions League final on the horizon, every decision carries weight, and the pressure is on to ensure the team is in the best possible shape.
For fans, the anticipation is building as they await the final showdown. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams bringing their A-game to the pitch. As the countdown continues, all eyes will be on the players, particularly those making their return to the field after long periods of absence.
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