Mikel Arteta Confirms Jurrien Timber Fit For Arsenal vs PSG Final

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Jurrien Timber is fit enough to start Arsenal’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, handing the Gunners a major defensive boost before their historic night in Budapest.

Timber has not played for Arsenal since being forced off during the 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton on 14 March. The groin injury kept him out of the closing stages of the title-winning league campaign and left his availability for Saturday’s final in doubt.

Asked in his pre-match press conference whether Timber was fit enough to start the final, Arteta replied: “Yes. Noni Madueke as well. The only one is Ben White.”

The confirmation leaves White as Arsenal’s only unavailable player for the meeting with PSG, while Timber’s return gives Arteta a significant decision at right-back.

Cristhian Mosquera has provided cover during the injury absences of Timber and White, including through the latter stages of Arsenal’s run to the final. However, Timber had established himself as an important part of Arteta’s defensive structure before his injury and is now in contention to return for the biggest game of the season.

His availability may be particularly important against PSG’s threat from the left side, where Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Nuno Mendes can combine to test Arsenal both in transition and in sustained periods of possession.

Timber’s injury interrupted what had been a strong season for the Netherlands international. He formed part of an Arsenal side that finished the Premier League campaign with the best defensive record across Europe’s top five leagues, conceding only 27 goals on their way to the title.

The update comes after Timber was named in the Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup, having recovered in time to remain part of Ronald Koeman’s plans for the tournament. His inclusion earlier in the week offered encouragement, but Arteta has now confirmed he is ready to be considered from the start against PSG.

Madueke is also fit after being withdrawn late in Arsenal’s 2-1 final-day victory over Crystal Palace. The winger scored at Selhurst Park before leaving the pitch with cramp, and his availability strengthens Arteta’s attacking options for the final.

Arsenal go into the contest having already ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title. Victory over PSG would deliver the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history and complete a domestic and European double.

Timber’s return means Arteta can make his decision with one of his key defensive options back and ready to start. With White the only absentee, the Gunners will face the defending champions with their strongest available squad.