Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is a major doubt for their Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain after spending the last two months on the sidelines due to a groin injury
Jurrien Timber hasn't featured for Arsenal since March
Jurrien Timber is hoping to be fit enough to feature in the Champions League final
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Jurrien Timber insists he could make a “dream” return for the Champions League final.
The Gunners defender has been out since mid-March with a groin injury and faces a race to be fit for the showdown with Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30. But Timber insists he is “giving everything” to be ready and also prove his fitness ahead of the World Cup this summer so he can be part of the Holland squad.
Timber missed an open training session on Thursday on a media day ahead of the Champions League final but has stepped up his recovery work and is hoping to be ready.
The Holland full back said: “I'm working really hard, I'm trying really hard, and obviously playing in the Champions League final is a dream.
“So I will give everything, and with the World Cup as well, but obviously, first the Champions League final. It's going to be amazing anyway.
“It's been a bit slower than expected, but I've worked really hard to come back, so hopefully, let's see.”
Timber’s season has been in danger of ending in frustration but the team has enjoyed winning the first title in 22 years. He is such a key figure in the dressing room and on the pitch and revealed that he always believed even before the start of the season that Arsenal would get it done this time after finishing runners-up in the past three seasons.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta sat the whole squad down by a “lucky” olive tree at the training ground in pre-season - and convinced them they would get it over the line.
Timber added: “I had the feeling this was going to be the season. I understand why the boss says that moment the week before the season began. He sat us all down by the tree and we had a good talk about what a season is going to look like with the squad.
An athletic individual dressed in a red and white uniform is receiving medical attention from a healthcare professional, likely on the sidelines of a sports field. The individual appears to be in distress, possibly due to an injury sustained during the game. The healthcare professional is offering support and care, ensuring the individual's well-being. The scene takes place in a stadium, where spectators are observing the incident from the stands.
Jurrien Timber has been out since mid-March with a groin issue(Image: Getty Images)
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“I don't know if I can give too many insights, but that was a good moment. Like I said, you have so many moments during the season. I think Newcastle away when big Gabi (Gabriel) scored the header.
“Just moments, you know, and I think they decide the season. But even the last game still against West Ham where David Raya saves that ball and Leandro Trossard scores that goal. I think the margins are so small, but the moments are so important.
“I think the manager is a perfect example of building a club towards where he is now. He makes every player better. I think if you look at all the players in our team, he makes everyone better.
“He's built one of the best teams in the world, I think. I can say that now because we're in the Premier League and we're in the Champions League final.
“I think he's one of the best managers there is. To me personally, he's been so good. He's always given me so much confidence and made me a lot better as well. So I'm thankful and I'm excited for what's ahead as well.”
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