Timber has not played for the recently-crowned Premier League champions since the 2-0 victory over Everton on March 14, and revealed that the groin injury thart has kept him out of action for the last two months has taken longer to recover than initially anticipated.
After winning the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, the Gunners face current holders of the Champions League PSG at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on Saturday in the final.
“It’s been a bit slower than expected. I’m working really hard to come back, so let’s see,” said Timber during Arsenal’s press day at the club’s training ground.
When asked if he thinks he might be available for the final in Budapest, the former Ajax defender was coy about his chances. “Hopefully, yes. Playing in a Champions League final is a dream, so I will give everything and for the World Cup as well,” he said.
“But obviously first, the Champions League final. It’s going to be amazing anyway.
Should Arsenal beat PSG on Saturday, it would be the first time in the club’s history of winning the prestigious European competition, but the elation of securing the league title hasn’t quite faded as of yet.
Speaking just moments after a media shoot at Sobha Realty Training Centre last week, Timber was asked if the feeling of being a Premier League champion had sunk in yet.
“No, not yet. It’s almost a bit strange still, but I can tell you that we enjoyed it,” said the Dutchman. “I could feel that with the fans here, the feeling, the relief and just the enjoyment of being champions, it’s just the most beautiful thing to see.”
If Timber is to return to fitness in time for the final, the defender's availability will be welcomed by Mikel Arteta after right-back Ben White was ruled out for the remainder of the season in the 1-0 win over West Ham United on May 10.
Arteta has been forced to deploy a center-back in the shape of Cristhian Mosquera on the right side of Arsenal’s defensive line since White got injured, but Timber is confident that his teammates will deliver the goods regardless of whether he is available for selection or not.
“We believed in ourselves. We’ve been there (at the top) for a couple of years now, competing at the highest level with the best teams,” said Timber. “Last year, we reached the semi-final. I think, this year, we went up to a new level. We won the Premier League, and we’re in the Champions League final. I think that says enough about the belief in the squad.
“You have to take this feeling into it (the final), and hopefully it will be amazing.”
Arsenal face PSG in the Champions League final on Saturday (5pm kick-off) looking to complete a sensational double after securing the Premier League title last week.