**Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber says he is “working really hard” to be available for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.**
The showpiece event takes place in just over a weeks’ time, and asked about his chances of making the game, Timber 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.”
It would be a tall order for Timber to start in Budapest
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The Dutchman has not kicked a ball in anger since the middle of March, having been forced off in the first half of the 2-0 win over Everton.
Timber has been undergoing treatment for a troublesome groin problem, which hasn’t been as straightforward to recover from as hoped.
Even if he does regain full fitness before Arsenal fly out to Budapest next week, his lack of match sharpness would surely prevent him from starting the game. You can’t be going up against Khvicha Kvaratskhelia without some minutes in the legs.
Arsenal have another player fit and available
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Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of the [**Crystal Palace fixture**](https://goonernews.com/blog/arsenal-predicted-lineup-vs-crystal-palace/) that Mikel Merino is back in full training.
The Spanish international has been absent for nearly four months, having had surgery on his fractured foot at the beginning of February.
It looks likely that Merino wll be (at the very least) on the bench for the PSG match, but it remains to be seen if Timber can make the squad as well.
[**Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here**](https://goonernews.com/blog/arsenal-first-team-squad/)