Arsenal's remarkable season reaches its climax this Saturday as they face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest. After securing the Premier League title with a game to spare, ending a 22-year wait for the league crown, Mikel Arteta's side now aim for a historic double.
Timber's Fitness Battle
Jurrien Timber is in a race against time to be fit for the final after missing the last 14 games with a groin issue. The defender has expressed hope of playing, stating: "There's hope, but we'll see. I'm working really hard and obviously playing in the Champions League final is a dream."
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman is monitoring the situation closely and has named Ian Maatsen and Lutsharel Geertruida as standby options for the World Cup. Koeman said: "This is linked to Jurrien Timber. The situation with him is that he was due to train with the squad, to see how things look ahead of the weekend. They have the Champions League final on Saturday. We'll have to wait and see if he'll make it."
If Timber plays, he will be tasked with stopping PSG's dangerous winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Arteta's Future
Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue believes Arteta could have resigned had the club failed to win the Premier League. Speaking to BetMGM, Eboue said: "I think if he didn't win the Premier League, he may have decided to go. When you are at a club that loves you, who gives you everything to win the league... After you've given everything, your best, to go so close after 22 years without winning it, I think he could have walked away."
Eboue praised Arteta's passion and influence: "I'm so happy for him. This year, Arsenal have won the Premier League because of him. He worked so hard for the club to bring this success. Even on the bench, he never sits. He is so involved, I am so impressed with him."
Arteta had the luxury of resting players for the final-day win at Crystal Palace, meaning most of the squad is fit and refreshed. However, there are a few injury concerns beyond Timber, as the club prepares for its biggest game in over a decade.
