Jurrien Timber has given himself a fighting chance to be fit for the Champions League final, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. The defender has stepped up his fitness work and is making progress as he battles to be ready for the showdown with Paris Saint Germain in Budapest on May 30.
Arsenal's Right-Back Crisis
Arteta is facing an injury crisis in the right-back position. Ben White is facing a long-term lay-off after damaging knee ligaments in Sunday's win at West Ham, and Timber has not played since March. However, there is better news regarding Timber, as he has a chance of making the final even if his comeback from a groin injury remains touch-and-go.
Arteta said: "He's progressed a little bit in the last few days. He's feeling better. We're going to try to get him available as quick as possible. But he's obviously been out now for a while, unfortunately. He's such an important player for us. We all know that."
Timber's Determination
"He's doing everything that he possibly can to help the team in any capacity. And I don't know, his leadership, his quality and how much the team needs him. He's trying everything that he can. There is a chance. But how big that chance is, I cannot tell you. I'm being completely honest. He's going to try to do everything he can to convert that chance as high as possible in the shortest possible period. And that's the challenge ahead."
Arteta has confirmed that White is now looking to next season and will almost certainly be out of contention for the World Cup. This leaves Arsenal facing the prospect of using centre-half Cristhian Mosquera as a makeshift right-back against PSG superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. There is also another injury worry with Riccardo Calafiori, but Arteta says he hopes it is "nothing serious."
Arteta added: "It looks like a long-term injury with Ben. At the moment, the focus is that we can have him back to be available for Arsenal. That's not going to happen in many, many weeks. We need to look at alternatives. The two players that we have there are not available at the moment. We need to look and do something else. The good thing is that we have experienced that all over the pitch this season."
Arteta insists that he is still only focusing on Monday's clash with Burnley rather than worrying about title rivals Manchester City. He concluded: "I feel that we have another opportunity on Monday to be a step closer. And that's the only thing."
