Arsenal still have two games left to play this season, but Mikel Arteta's side will be without a number of players as they chase glory in the Champions League final against PSG
Arsenal's Jurrien Timber arrives at Sobha Realty Training Centre on May 14, 2026 in London Colney, England.
Jurrien Timber's availability is in doubt(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal are Premier League champions, but two fixtures still remain before their campaign concludes, with a pair of players pursuing the chance to feature. The Gunners wrap up their domestic commitments with a meeting against Crystal Palace this weekend, before Mikel Arteta's side compete for their spot in the Champions League final line-up.
While the squad were permitted some festivities, those sidelined through injury will have been careful to temper that with the rigorous work needed to try and assist the team once more, and preserve their ambitions of reaching the World Cup. That graft will persist in the days ahead.
"We have 48 hours to enjoy the success of winning the league," Arteta explained. "Now, tomorrow and Saturday, we're going to prepare really well because we need to now lift again our habits and the standards that we normally do things to be in the best possible way to compete.
"On Sunday, we'll have a little window there again to celebrate, to lift the trophy in a manner that deserves it, to connect with the people that we have constantly around us. But then we have six days that we need to write a new history in this football club."
Mikel Merino
The Spanish midfielder is poised to rejoin group training ahead of Crystal Palace following surgery on a foot injury back in February. There has been considerable doubt surrounding his availability before the campaign concludes, but this appears to be an encouraging development, though his match sharpness is likely to provoke greater discussion.
Merino was present for training on Thursday, but joined the session late. He is set to step up his efforts from Friday.
"Mikel is going to start to train with the group tomorrow," Arteta explained on Thursday. "Today he's done a little bit, it was just a very light session obviously."
Potential return date: May 30 vs PSG.
Arsenal's Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres and David Raya watch AFC Bournemouth v Manchester City at Sobha Realty Training Centre
Mikel Merino was present for Arsenal's title celebrations(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Jurrien Timber
The Dutch defender has likewise endured a lengthy absence due to an ankle problem. Time is ticking down for the full back to demonstrate sufficient fitness to feature meaningfully during Arsenal's final week of the campaign.
Timber trails Merino's progress towards a comeback but is making strides towards full fitness. "Jurrien let's hope he can do the same in the next few days," Arteta said. "But he's still a little bit further behind than Mikel at the moment."
Potential return date: May 30 vs PSG.
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Ben White
The versatile defender can only observe from the sidelines as Arsenal strive to secure a second trophy to cap their season. The 28-year-old sustained a knee injury against West Ham and is not anticipated to return until the north London outfit commence pre-season preparations.
Potential return date: Next season.
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