Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Jurrien Timber is fit and available to start Saturday's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, providing a major boost for Arsenal. The Dutch defender has been sidelined since March 14 with ankle and groin issues, missing the final 14 games of the season as Arsenal clinched the Premier League title.
Timber returned to training earlier this week and was named in the Netherlands' World Cup squad despite his lack of recent football. Arteta stated in his pre-match press conference that Timber is fit and ready to start, ending speculation over his availability for the final.
Timber's return is timely given Ben White's season-ending knee injury, which has left Arsenal short at right-back. White's absence forced Arteta to deploy midfielder Declan Rice and later youngster Cristhian Mosquera in the position. Mosquera had been the likely starter against PSG but will now likely move to the bench.
Winger Noni Madueke and goalkeeper David Raya are also expected to be available after minor injury scares. PSG, meanwhile, have key trio Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes fit for the final.
