Mikel Arteta is hoping that Jurriën Timber will be available for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain as he considers his right-back options. Arsenal confirmed on Tuesday that Ben White will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury, which also puts his World Cup participation in doubt. Arteta stated that White must "wait and see" regarding the summer tournament.
Timber has not played since Arsenal's win over Everton on 14 March because of a groin problem. The Netherlands defender was close to returning at the end of last month but suffered a setback. Cristhian Mosquera is expected to fill in against Burnley on Monday night, though Riccardo Calafiori, who returned to training after an injury, could also be an option after playing right-back in Arsenal's win over PSG last season.
Arteta expressed hope that Timber, one of his most consistent performers this season, could be in contention for the final on 27 May in Budapest, where Arsenal may face Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. "He's progressed a little bit in the last few days; he's feeling better," Arteta said. "We're going to try to get him available as quickly as possible but he's obviously been out now for a while, unfortunately. He's such an important player for us. He's doing everything that he possibly can to help the team."
When asked if Timber could face PSG, Arteta replied: "There is a chance. But how big that chance is, I cannot tell you. He's going to try to do everything he can to convert that chance as high as possible in the shortest possible period."
Arsenal supporters' group REDaction plans to welcome the team coach before the Burnley game, where Arsenal could re-establish a five-point lead over Manchester City. Arteta, who missed City's win over Crystal Palace due to a sponsors' event, said the fan support inspired his players. "It builds an energy connection with them that we haven't experienced before," he said. "The whole preparation and atmosphere showed that the level of meaning was higher and the desire and passion from our supporters was different. It really helps."
