Arteta Confirms Timber Fit for Champions League Final

Mikel Arteta will walk out in Budapest with one of his biggest selection calls already made. Jurrien Timber is not just on the plane. He is fit to start.

On the eve of Arsenal’s Champions League final against reigning holders Paris Saint-Germain at the Puskas Arena, the manager delivered the update every Arsenal supporter wanted to hear. Timber, who had been a major doubt with a groin problem, has come through and is available from the first whistle.

For a side chasing the most glittering double in the club’s history, that matters.

Timber ready for the biggest stage

Timber travelled with the squad to Hungary, a quiet hint that the medical team were optimistic. Arteta removed any remaining doubt in his pre-match press conference, confirming the versatile defender is ready to go.

It gives Arsenal fresh balance at the back and options in their build-up play. In a game of this magnitude, against this opponent, that kind of flexibility is gold dust.

Raya set to return

Behind Timber, another key figure is closing back in.

David Raya, who sat out the final Premier League fixture at Selhurst Park with a combination of back, glute and shoulder issues, is expected to be available for the final. Arsenal managed without him on the day they lifted the league trophy. Saturday is different.

His calm distribution and command of the box have underpinned Arsenal’s domestic title win. Arteta will want that same authority against PSG’s frontline.

Madueke scare eases

There was a brief jolt of anxiety on the last day of the league season when Noni Madueke pulled up and headed off early with a hamstring concern. The timing could hardly have been worse.

The tension has eased. Madueke’s withdrawal against Crystal Palace was precautionary, and Arteta has since confirmed the England international is fine. With his direct running and ability to break lines, he offers a very different threat from the right and could be a crucial weapon if the final opens up.

White ruled out

Not every headline from the treatment room is positive.

Ben White’s season ended with a significant knee injury in the win over West Ham United, and there will be no late twist here. He will not feature in Budapest.

His absence removes one of Arsenal’s most reliable, iron‑man figures from the biggest night of the campaign. It also places extra emphasis on Timber’s fitness and on the depth around him.

Arsenal’s season on the line

The Premier League trophy presentation at Selhurst Park felt like a destination. It was only a checkpoint.

From London to Budapest, from domestic champions to Europe’s biggest stage, Arsenal now stand one game away from turning a memorable season into a defining one. With Timber cleared, Raya poised to return, Madueke available and White watching from the sidelines, Arteta knows exactly what he has at his disposal.

The question now is simple: is it enough to finish the job against the champions of Europe?