Jurrien Timber (foto: Getty Images)
Arsenal are increasingly concerned about Jurrien Timber’s fitness ahead of the Champions League final, with Mikel Arteta facing a shortage at right-back.
Arsenal are facing growing concern ahead of the Champions League final after receiving an uneasy update on the condition of Jurrien Timber.
The Dutch defender is racing against time to recover from a groin injury and be available for the final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30, but optimism remains limited.
Timber has been out since mid-March, and previous attempts to return have already been delayed by setbacks.
Despite increasing his training workload this week, the outlook remains uncertain.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, who will announce his World Cup squad on May 27, admitted the situation remains difficult.
“Jurrien has been dealing with this for quite some time. It has been on and off.”
“He is now training again to see if he can make the Champions League final and if he is available for the World Cup.”
“It does not look rosy at the moment.”
Arsenal still hope Timber will rejoin full team sessions before the final Premier League game against Crystal Palace, although playing in that match appears unlikely.
The timing could hardly be worse for Mikel Arteta.
Ben White is also unavailable, leaving Arsenal without a natural right-back for one of the biggest games in the club’s recent history.
If Timber cannot recover in time, Arteta may be forced to move Cristhian Mosquera out of position to deal with PSG’s dangerous attacking line led by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
There are also concerns that Timber’s injury could require surgery, which would rule him out of the World Cup.
The Dutch defender is not the only player working toward a return.
Mikel Merino has stepped up recovery after foot surgery and hopes to rejoin training before the European final, although his World Cup chances appear limited.
The midfielder admitted that watching from the sidelines has been difficult.
“I want to be on the pitch supporting my teammates because I was born to play football.”
“If I’m at home, then I shout at the TV, which is not great with the baby sleeping next to me.”
“I suffer like everyone else. You want to be out there.”
Arsenal now face an anxious countdown as they try to get key players fit for the biggest night of their season.