Earlier this week we reported that Jurrien Timber was running out of time for Arsenal's Champions League final against Paris Saint Germain. The picture has now shifted, because Mikel Merino is back in training after surgery on a foot injury in February, while Timber's availability is still being questioned.
Merino gives Arsenal a proper boost
Mikel Arteta said Merino will start training with the group, after a very light session. Merino, for his part, sounded upbeat. He said the foot injury is behind him, that he feels physically fit, and that the title celebrations were the acid test for his recovery.
That is a real lift for Arsenal. Merino had been sidelined since February and missed the run-in, so this is not just a case of a player easing back into the building. He has 21 Premier League appearances, 4 goals and 3 assists this season, which underlines why his return matters beyond squad numbers. Arsenal have also won all 8 of their Champions League matches this season, so every fitness update is now being measured against the final.
Timber's chance is still open, but not clear
Timber's situation is messier. He has been absent since the 2-0 win over Everton, when he came off with a groin problem. Ronald Koeman said Timber is training up again to see if he can make the final, but added that it does not look rosy at the moment.
Arteta has been more hopeful, saying there is a chance and that Arsenal will try to get him available as quick as possible. He also admitted he cannot say how big that chance is. That is the sensible reading here: Timber is not ruled in, and he is not ruled out either. The uncertainty matters because Ben White is already out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, leaving Arsenal with fewer options if Timber does not make it.
Arteta has 48 hours to enjoy winning the league before the final week starts again, and this is now the practical issue facing Arsenal: one player is back, one is still a maybe, and the staff still have to decide how much risk to take before PSG.
FAQ
Will Mikel Merino be available for Arsenal before the Champions League final?
Merino is back in training after surgery on a foot injury in February. Mikel Arteta said he will start training with the group, while Merino said the foot injury is behind him and that he feels physically fit.
How uncertain is Jurrien Timber's Champions League final fitness?
Timber is still being assessed and Ronald Koeman said it does not look rosy at the moment. Arteta has been more hopeful, but he would not put a number on Timber's chances, so the final call remains open.
Why is Arsenal's injury news important before the PSG final?
Arsenal are managing late fitness checks before the Champions League final against Paris Saint Germain. Merino has returned to training, Timber is still doubtful, and Ben White is already ruled out for the rest of the season.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
