Arsenal XI vs PSG: Predicted lineup and team news for Champions League final

Arsenal have received a significant fitness boost ahead of tonight's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, with Jurrien Timber expected to return to Mikel Arteta's starting line-up.

The Dutch defender has missed Arsenal's last 14 matches across all competitions after suffering an ankle injury in March. However, after returning to training this week and travelling with the squad to Budapest, Arteta has confirmed Timber is available for selection.

His return comes at a crucial time, with Arsenal preparing to face a PSG attack featuring dangerous wide players including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Arsenal enter the final with almost a fully fit squad.

Timber's availability means Ben White is the only confirmed absentee heading into the match at the Puskás Aréna. The defender's return could be particularly important given the defensive challenges PSG pose down the flanks.

Should there be any late setback, summer signing Cristhian Mosquera is expected to deputise at right-back. However, all indications point towards Timber reclaiming his place in the starting XI.

The return of both Timber and Mikel Merino gives Arteta greater flexibility across the pitch as Arsenal seek to complete a historic campaign.

One of the biggest talking points concerns Arsenal's midfield balance.

Myles Lewis-Skelly has impressed during recent weeks and appears to have moved ahead of Martin Zubimendi in the pecking order. The academy graduate is therefore expected to partner Declan Rice in a midfield double pivot.

Further forward, captain Martin Ødegaard remains central to Arsenal's creative plans as he attempts to become the first Arsenal skipper to lift the European Cup or Champions League trophy.

His inclusion is likely to leave Eberechi Eze among the substitutes despite an impressive first season in north London.

Having followed Arsenal closely throughout the latter stages of the campaign, Lewis-Skelly's emergence has been one of the defining stories of their season. His composure in high-pressure matches could earn him the biggest start of his young career.

The most intriguing selection issue comes in attack.

Viktor Gyökeres has enjoyed a prolific campaign and enters the final as Arsenal's leading scorer with 21 goals. His form over recent weeks has strengthened his case considerably.

However, Kai Havertz has often been Arteta's preferred option in major matches due to his tactical intelligence, pressing ability and experience on the biggest stage.

With the German now fully fit again, reports suggest he could be given the nod ahead of Gyökeres.

Leandro Trossard is expected to start on the left wing following an impressive end to the season, while Bukayo Saka remains an automatic selection on the opposite flank.

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Ødegaard, Trossard; Havertz.

Arsenal are aiming to secure the first Champions League title in the club's history and complete a remarkable double under Arteta. Victory over PSG would represent the biggest achievement of the Spaniard's managerial career and cement this squad's place in Arsenal folklore.

The final kicks off at 5pm BST on Saturday 30 May 2026 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, with live coverage available on TNT Sports 1.