Arsenal travel to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, with Mikel Arteta's side needing to overturn a one-goal deficit
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 06: Head coach Mikel Arteta Amatriain of Arsenal attends a press conference ahead of UEFA Champions League second leg semi-final match between PSG and Arsenal in Paris, France on May 06, 2025. (Photo by Mustafa Yalçn/Anadolu via Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 06: Head coach Mikel Arteta Amatriain of Arsenal attends a press conference ahead of UEFA Champions League second leg semi-final match between PSG and Arsenal in Paris, France on May 06, 2025. (Photo by Mustafa Yalçn/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is sweating on Jurrien Timber's fitness (
Image: Mustafa Yalçn/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Jurrien Timber will undergo late fitness tests as he battles to feature in Arsenal's Champions League decider against Paris Saint-Germain. But the Gunners have been boosted by the news that star summer signing Riccardo Calafiori is fit and ready to play.
Timber had been forced to miss Saturday's disappointing defeat to Bournemouth after picking up an injury. Calafiori meanwhile has been missing since the start of April with a knee problem, though was spotted training with the first-team squad on Tuesday.
Arteta's side flew out to the French capital on Tuesday ahead of the winner-takes-all semi-final second leg at the Parc des Princes. PSG hold a one-goal lead over the Gunners as both teams bid to make it to the Champions League final.
While Luis Enrique's side having lost just three times at home in all competitions, it appears to be an uphill task. But Arteta has been boosted by the news that his defence could see two star players return to play.
Arteta though is refusing to jump for joy just yet. He has revealed that Timber still needs to pass a late fitness test if he is to feature at the Parc des Princes.
"We will decide tomorrow," Arteta said of Timber's chances of playing, before adding on Calafiori: "He’s trained and is fit and ready to play if we need him."
Arteta is under no illusions as to the task his side is facing in the City of Lights. But he is adamant that his side have enough quality to turn the tie on its head.
"We are here to make history," he added. "One win away from being in the final. Let's do the talking on the pitch. The result brings a lot of clairty what both teams have to do, for us it's even clearer. Being better than them. We know what we can do, in moments apart from the first 15 minutes."