The latest Arsenal team news and predicted line-up ahead of the Champions League final against PSG.
Arsenal have arrived in Budapest ahead of the Champions League final as they look to complete a memorable double and become champions of Europe for the first time in their storied history – but Mikel Arteta faces a couple of crucial selection headaches as he prepares his team to face holders PSG.
Right-back is a particular cause of concern, with Ben White ruled out of the final and Jurriën Timber facing a race against time to be fit, while Noni Madueke is another worry after he was substituted during the recent 2-1 win over Crystal Palace with a potential hamstring problem.
With Saturday’s final fast approaching, we’ve collected all of the latest Arsenal team news and injury updates below, along with our prediction for Arteta’s starting XI.
Will Jurriën Timber be fit for the Champions League final?
Dutch full-back Timber hasn’t played since he sustained a groin injury against Everton on 14 March, but Arsenal have hoped for some weeks that he might return to fitness in time to make his comeback in the Champions League final – and he took the first crucial step towards making that happen on Wednesday.
Timber reportedly passed a series of fitness tests and was deemed able to return to full team training, with The Independent reporting that he came through Wednesday’s session without issue, putting him in line to play some part in Saturday’s match.
With match fitness likely to remain an issue, Timber is expected to face further tests on Friday and it’s unclear as to whether he might be deemed fit enough to start. Should he be unable to take to the field for kick-off, it’s likely that Cristhian Mosquera will take his place on the right side of the defence based on recent team selections.
The only other recognised right-back in Arteta’s squad, White, has been ruled out after suffering an MCL injury during a collision with Crysencio Summerville in the controversial 1-0 win over West Ham earlier this month, an injury which also ruled White out of contention for England’s World Cup squad.
Noni Madueke another doubt as Arsenal prepare to face PSG
There was further concern over winger Madueke, who went down clutching his hamstring towards the end of the second half of the final-day win over Crystal Palace – but reports suggest that the 24-year-old has avoided a significant injury.
The Evening Standard report that Madueke suffered cramp and was taken off as a precaution, with the former Chelsea man expected to be available if required in Budapest. There is not believed to be any threat to his place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup, either.
Regardless of his fitness, Madueke is likely to start on the bench against PSG with Bukayo Saka expected to be picked on the right wing as Arteta looks to name his strongest possible starting line-up. Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, who made his comeback from a broken foot with a half-hour substitute appearance against Palace, is also expected to take his place on the bench.
Arsenal are otherwise believed to have a fully fit squad at their disposal. Key selection decisions facing Arteta include whether to start Viktor Gyökeres or Kai Havertz up front, and whether to pick Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard on the left wing.
Arsenal predicted starting XI vs. PSG (4-2-3-1): Raya; Calafiori, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi; Eze, Ødegaard, Saka; Gyökeres.
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