Arsenal have been handed a worrying update on the fitness of defender Jurrien Timber ahead of the Champions League final by Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman.
The right-back suffered a hamstring injury during the 2-0 win over Everton back in March, and has not featured at all since limping off in the first-half of that game, with Ben White stepping in until he suffered a knee injury of his own against West Ham United.
Those fitness issues have led to Cristhian Mosquera being installed as the starting right-back ahead of the game, but Mikel Arteta is hopeful that 24-year-old Timber can recover in time to take his place in the lineup against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Koeman Drops Timber Injury Update
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman
Timber is also hopeful of returning to fitness in time to feature at the World Cup this summer, with the Netherlands set to take on Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia in the group stages.
National team boss Koeman is expected to name his final 26-man squad for the tournament on May 25th, and he has now shared an update on the fitness of the Gunners star.
"He is training again to see if he can make the Champions League final, and be available for the World Cup, but it does not look rosy at the moment," he said.
Timber is unlikely to be fit for the final Premier League game of the season on May 24th against Crystal Palace, where Arsenal could wrap up their first Premier League title since 2004, which means Koeman may have to make his decision without seeing Timber return to action.
Should he be left out, however, it would also suggest that he is likely to miss the Champions League final, which takes place on May 30th. Netherlands will play their first World Cup game on June 14th.
Huge Blow for Arsenal if Timber is out
Arsenal's Jurrien Timber applauds.
Premier League - Arsenal v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - December 13, 2025 Arsenal's Jurrien Timber celebrates after the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
While Arsenal have got one of the best defences in Europe this season, Timber is a huge part of that. If he is unavailable, there is no getting away from the fact that they are weaker.
Against a side like PSG you need to be at your absolute best to get a result, and with the way they attack with their wingers and fast-paced football, Timber's absence will make it a lot more difficult to deal with.
Netherlands will also be very disappointed to be without such a key player, but unless something changes in the next week or so, it looks like his season may be over.
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