Arsenal’s Champions League final against PSG is now just days away.
Mikel Arteta has a number of huge decisions to make before the biggest game of his managerial career, but none feel bigger than the one at right-back.
Ben White is out injured for the season, while Jurrien Timber is racing against time to recover after spending more than two months on the sidelines.
That leaves Arsenal in a difficult position because whoever starts at right-back will likely spend most of the night dealing with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
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Paul Merson says Arsenal must start Jurrien Timber against PSG even if he is only half fit
Timber’s absence has been a huge blow for Arsenal in recent weeks.
The Dutchman has been one of the best full-backs in Europe this season and offers Arteta a level of aggression, athleticism and composure that very few defenders possess.
Timber’s ability in one-v-one situations is especially important too, which is why so many Arsenal fans are desperate for him to return in time for the final.
That challenge becomes even bigger when you consider who he could be facing in Budapest.
Kvaratskhelia is arguably the most dangerous winger in world football on his day. His dribbling, explosiveness and unpredictability make him a nightmare to defend against for any full-back.
Because of that, Paul Merson believes Arteta simply has to risk Timber if there is even a slight chance he can play.
Speaking ahead of the final on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, the former Arsenal star said: “I think Jurrien Timber has to play.
“There’s talk that he will be fit. He’s got to play, even if he’s half fit. I would take a chance on him because he has to play in that game.”
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Starting an unfit Jurrien Timber against Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could backfire badly
As tempting as it is to rush Timber back into the Arsenal starting lineup, doing so could also become a huge mistake.
Two months without competitive football is an enormous amount of time, especially before a game of this magnitude.
If Timber is even slightly off the pace physically or mentally, PSG will target him relentlessly through Kvaratskhelia.
That is why Arsenal cannot allow emotion to cloud their judgement before the final.
The good news for Arteta is that Cristhian Mosquera has proven throughout the season that he is more than capable of filling in at right-back when needed.
So while a fully fit Timber should absolutely start, Arsenal should not force him into the side unless he is genuinely ready.
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