Arsenal have received a huge boost ahead of the Champions League final after Mikel Arteta confirmed that Jurrien Timber is fit and available to start against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest.
The Netherlands international has not featured since March after struggling with a persistent groin injury, missing Arsenal’s final 14 matches of the season.
However, after returning to full training this week, Timber is now ready to play a part in the biggest game of Arsenal’s campaign.
The news comes at a crucial moment for Arteta, who has been dealing with defensive concerns following Ben White’s recent injury.
Timber returns at the perfect time
Timber’s recovery could hardly have come at a better moment for Arsenal.
The versatile defender was pictured training with teammates in Budapest after rejoining full sessions earlier this week, raising hopes that he would be available for the final.
Arteta has now confirmed those hopes have become reality.
With White unavailable following the knee injury he suffered against West Ham earlier this month, Arsenal have lacked a natural solution at right-back.
Several players have filled the role during recent weeks, including Cristhian Mosquera, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
Timber’s return provides Arsenal with a specialist option who combines defensive reliability with the technical quality required against one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking teams.
Arsenal injury situation before PSG clash
The good news does not stop with Timber.
Arteta also revealed that Noni Madueke has overcome a minor issue and is available for selection.
That leaves White as Arsenal’s only injury absentee ahead of their first Champions League final appearance in two decades.
| Player | Status vs PSG | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Jurrien Timber | Available | Recovered from groin injury |
| Noni Madueke | Available | Minor knock resolved |
| Ben White | Unavailable | Knee injury |
Source: Arsenal team news – 29 May 2026
Arsenal seeking revenge against PSG
The final also offers Arsenal an opportunity to avenge last season’s Champions League semi-final defeat.
PSG eliminated the Gunners after a 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium followed by a 2-1 win in Paris.
Ousmane Dembele proved decisive during that tie and remains one of the biggest threats Arsenal must contain this weekend.
Arteta acknowledged that lessons have been learned from those encounters but stressed that both teams have evolved significantly since then.
“We certainly use examples and things that we learned from those matches, and there is a lot to take from there.
But it is true that we have evolved in a different way, and they have evolved in a different way.
We took some learnings and things that we have to do better, and I am sure that will happen tomorrow.” — Mikel Arteta
Key points
- Jurrien Timber is fit and available to start against PSG
- The defender has not played since March due to a groin injury
- Noni Madueke is also available after recovering from a knock
- Ben White remains Arsenal’s only injury absentee
- Arsenal are preparing for their first Champions League final in 20 years
What’s next?
Arsenal will take on PSG at the Puskás Aréna on Saturday night aiming to win the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.
With Timber available and only Ben White missing, Arteta enters the final with almost his strongest possible squad.
PSG have also received major fitness boosts with Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes all declared fit, setting up what promises to be a fascinating showdown between two near full-strength sides.
Will Jurrien Timber’s return prove the difference as Arsenal chase European glory against PSG?
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