Jurrien Timber has missed the last few months with injury but his chances of returning for the Champions League final look to have been boosted
13:28, 27 May 2026Updated 13:37, 27 May 2026
Arsenal look to have been handed a Jurrien Timber injury boost
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Arsenal look to have been handed a Jurrien Timber injury boost(Image: (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images))
Arsenal star Jurrien Timber has been included in the Netherlands' 26-man World Cup squad.
The versatile defender has missed the last eight weeks with injury but him being named to feature in a tournament that starts in just a few weeks could be a boost to Arsenal's hopes of having him available for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain this Saturday.
There was some optimism that he would be involved against Crystal Palace last Sunday but the 24-year-old was not included in the squad.
Mikel Merino did make his return from injury in that clash at Selhurst Park however, after missing the last few months due to a foot injury that required surgery.
Noni Madueke sparked injury concerns during that 2-1 victory as he was forced off after receiving treatment from physios on a possible hamstring issue.
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However, it has since emerged that he avoided injury and is expected to be available to Mikel Arteta in Budapest this weekend.
Whether or not Timber joins him is currently unclear with it highly unlikely he starts the showpiece given he has not played since mid-March and would be up against the lightening Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
PSG's fearsome attack up against Arsenal's world class defence is the big battle for the weekend with the availability of Ousmane Dembele key to that.
He was forced off with a calf problem against Paris FC earlier this month and has not featured since, which included missing an internal friendly organised by the holders.
However, he has issued a positive fitness update ahead of the final. "I'm feeling much better than on Sunday," Dembele said in an interview with M6. "I had a minor scare, but the doctor told me there's nothing to worry about.
He added: “It's my calf; I had a slight twinge in my calf and I preferred not to take the risk."
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Dembele has since been in training with Achraf Hakimi, who has missed the last month due to a thigh issue, also returning to full team sessions.