Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a big injury boost ahead of the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on Saturday.
The Gunners go into tomorrow’s game as potential underdogs, given that PSG are the reigning European champions and have one of the most fearsome attacks.
Ahead of the encounter, Arteta has revealed a timely boost for Jurrien Timber. The Spanish tactician said that the right-back is not only available but fit to start.
The £34 million signing has not featured for the Gunners since picking up a groin injury during the 2-0 Premier League win over Everton at home in mid-March.
In his absence, Ben White became the regular in the right-back position, but the England international has since been ruled out for the campaign with a knee injury.
Cristhian Mosquera has provided cover in recent weeks, and we saw a surprise last weekend as midfielder Martin Zubimendi started in the role against Crystal Palace on the road.
Based on Arteta’s comments, Timber looks ready to make the starting XI against Les Parisiens, and he could have a big say with his match-up against Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Timber initially struggled against Kvaratskhelia in the first leg of last season’s Champions League semi-final, but he eventually managed to curb the Georgian’s attacking threat.
The former Napoli man has been in stupendous form in the knockout phase of the competition this term, scoring seven goals and providing three assists from just eight appearances.
Timber could be tasked with shutting down Kvaratskhelia tomorrow, but it seems unlikely that he will last the entire 90 minutes on the back of a lengthy two-month injury lay-off.
Arsenal missed plenty of clear-cut chances in the 3-1 aggregate semi-final defeat to PSG last season. They have the chance to make amends and secure a maiden Champions League crown.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com