Arsenal have received an encouraging fitness update on Jurrien Timber ahead of the Champions League final.
Mikel Arteta’s team landed in Budapest on Thursday as they prepare to face PSG on Saturday.
The Arsenal manager has a near fully fit squad at his disposal, with the only lingering question mark being the right-back position.
Ben White is out with a knee injury, while Jurrien Timber has been out with a groin issue since March.
However, Timber has been included in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands World Cup squad, and had already hinted that his recovery was advancing well.
Now, the latest update from Miguel Delaney is the most concrete indication yet that he could feature in Budapest.
Miguel Delaney provides encouraging Jurrien Timber fitness update ahead of final
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Back Pages, Delaney revealed that Timber has returned to first-team training at Arsenal and came through with no issues.
“The news I had was that Jurrien Timber, after 70 days — he hasn’t played since the 14th of March in a 2-0 win over Everton,” Delaney said.
“He was back training with the first team yesterday, and from what I’m told, came through with no issues, and he felt good afterwards.”
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He added a bit more context on the timeline of Timber’s recovery. “Before that, up to Monday, he’d been training on his own, putting through tests to see how robust he was after an injury.
“He is seen as one of the best athletes at the club. And because of that, and because he came through Wednesday, I think it will, at the very least, be playing on Arteta’s mind to put him in for Saturday.”
Why Jurrien Timber’s potential return is so crucial for Arsenal
It goes without saying how important Timber is for Arsenal — not just for his defensive work, but because of his partnership with Bukayo Saka on the right flank.
The Dutchman knows exactly where and when Saka likes to receive the ball, and the two have an almost telepathic understanding of each other’s movements.
And of course, against one of the most dangerous wingers in world football in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Timber’s one-on-one defensive qualities will be absolutely pivotal.
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The Georgian has been in sensational form throughout PSG’s Champions League campaign, and containing him will be one of Arsenal’s most important tasks on Saturday night.
Paul Merson has gone as far as saying Arteta should play Timber even if he is only half fit, such is his importance to the side.
After 12 games on the sidelines, the news that he has come through first-team training with no issues is about as welcome as it gets for Arsenal ahead of the biggest game in the club’s history.
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