Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is hopeful of making a dramatic return for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, despite being sidelined since mid-March with a groin injury. The Dutch international has been racing against time to be fit for the showpiece event in Budapest on May 30, and he insists he is 'giving everything' to be ready.
Timber's Recovery and World Cup Ambitions
Timber missed an open training session on Thursday during a media day ahead of the final, but he has intensified his rehabilitation work. The 22-year-old full-back is also eager to prove his fitness for the upcoming World Cup, where he hopes to represent the Netherlands. 'I'm working really hard, I'm trying really hard, and obviously playing in the Champions League final is a dream,' Timber said. 'So I will give everything, and with the World Cup as well, but obviously, first the Champions League final. It's going to be amazing anyway.'
He admitted that his recovery has been 'a bit slower than expected' but remains optimistic: 'I've worked really hard to come back, so hopefully, let's see.'
Arsenal's Title Triumph and Team Spirit
Timber's season has been threatened by frustration, but the team's Premier League title win—their first in 22 years—has been a highlight. He revealed that manager Mikel Arteta's pre-season talk by a 'lucky' olive tree at the training ground convinced the squad they would succeed. 'I had the feeling this was going to be the season,' Timber explained. 'I understand why the boss says that moment the week before the season began. He sat us all down by the tree and we had a good talk about what a season is going to look like with the squad.'
He highlighted key moments that defined the campaign, such as Gabriel's header at Newcastle and Leandro Trossard's goal against West Ham, aided by David Raya's save. 'The margins are so small, but the moments are so important,' Timber added.
Arteta's Influence
Timber praised Arteta for his role in building a world-class team. 'I think the manager is a perfect example of building a club towards where he is now. He makes every player better. He's built one of the best teams in the world, I think,' Timber said. 'To me personally, he's been so good. He's always given me so much confidence and made me a lot better as well. So I'm thankful and I'm excited for what's ahead as well.'
