Jurrien Timber fit to start as Arsenal get a timely boost

Earlier this week we reported on Luis Enrique's warning about Arsenal before the final against Paris Saint Germain. The latest team news is more immediate. Mikel Arteta has now confirmed that Jurrien Timber is fit, and that he is ready to start.

Timber's return changes Arsenal's options

Arteta did not dress it up. Asked about Timber, he said: "He's fit, yeah." Then came the second answer: "Yep."

That matters because Timber did not play again after going off in the first half of Arsenal's 2-0 Premier League win over Everton on March 14. He missed 14 games across all competitions while battling ankle and groin issues, so this is not a minor squad update. It gives Arsenal a starter back for the biggest night of the season.

The numbers also explain why the club will welcome him. Timber has already made 30 Premier League appearances this season, with a 6.92 league rating. Arsenal have not been managing a fringe player here, they have been dealing with a defender who has been part of the side's regular work.

Ødegaard's future sits alongside the final

There was another piece of news from the build-up, even if it sits slightly outside the immediate match team sheet. Martin Ødegaard said he is under contract at Arsenal and wants to stay there for many years.

He also said: "It is tough to watch from the sides. It's small margins and you want to win it so bad. To end up with nothing is brutal." And he added that Arsenal have "done some incredible things this season", reaching the semis last year and the final this year.

Ødegaard's own season has not been plain sailing. He has made 24 Premier League appearances and has 6 assists, but the message from him was clear enough, he wants to stay, and the club are already deep into the next phase of planning. David Ornstein has said the number nine position is a live issue after Victor Gyokeres was left on the bench, while Arteta has talked about the need for "very important decisions" and a very ambitious summer.

The short-term story is Timber. Arsenal now know one of their key defensive options is available to start against PSG, and that is the cleanest boost Arteta has had in the build-up to the final.