Arsenal confirm Timber fit for Champions League final as Arteta rejects 'pressure off' narrative
Jurrien Timber returns from injury to bolster defence, while Noni Madueke remains available for selection as Arsenal target second trophy of the season.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that defender Jurrien Timber is fit to start the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, providing a significant boost to the squad’s defensive options. Timber, who has been sidelined for over two months with a groin injury, last featured for the club in March during a victory over Everton.
The return of the Dutch international addresses a critical personnel issue for Arsenal, as natural right-back Ben White has been ruled out of the final with a knee ligament injury. While centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and Declan Rice have deputised in the position throughout the season, Timber’s availability restores depth to the backline ahead of the match at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.
Arteta also revealed that winger Noni Madueke is available for selection despite suffering a hamstring issue in the previous match against Crystal Palace. The manager indicated that the squad is nearing full strength as they prepare to face the reigning champions, aiming to secure their second trophy of the season following their recent Premier League title win.
Addressing suggestions that the pressure might be reduced after securing the league title, Arteta firmly rejected the notion. He stated that the ambition remains focused on winning a second trophy, emphasizing that the team must maintain a platform to reach bigger destinations. The manager expressed confidence in the squad’s capability, citing their consistent performance in the competition over recent seasons.
Paris Saint-Germain enter the fixture as favourites, seeking to become only the second club to win back-to-back titles in the Champions League era since Real Madrid’s achievement in 2018. PSG defeated Arsenal in the semi-finals of the tournament last year, and Arteta acknowledged the challenge of defending against the current holders.
Security arrangements in Budapest are extensive, with police expecting approximately 10,000 ticketless fans in the city. The number of visitors passing through Liszt Ferenc International Airport is estimated to reach 85,000 over the weekend. The Puskás Aréna has a capacity of 61,400, with 17,000 tickets allocated to each club, while 3,950 police officers will be on duty to manage the event.
