Paul Merson has urged Mikel Arteta to recall injury doubt Jurrien Timber for Arsenal's Champions League final against PSG, even if the defender is only 'half-fit'. Arsenal clinched the Premier League title at the weekend, lifting the trophy for the first time since 2004, and now aim for a stunning double on Saturday in their first Champions League final in 20 years.
Underdogs Against PSG
The new Premier League champions are underdogs against Champions League holders PSG, who overcame Bayern Munich in the semi-finals as they seek back-to-back European titles. However, Merson insists Arsenal are more than capable of claiming a maiden Champions League, describing it as the 'best defence' against the 'best forward line' in Europe.
Timber's Key Role
Merson believes Arsenal's ability to beat PSG may rely on Timber, as the Gunners sweat on his availability. Timber played a key role in Arsenal's title charge but missed the last two months with a groin injury. Arsenal hope the 24-year-old is fit to train this week after he joined title celebrations in London over the weekend.
'I think Jurrien Timber has to play,' the Arsenal legend said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast. 'There's talk that he will be fit. He's got to play, even if he's half-fit I would take a chance on him because he has to play in that game.'
Confidence and Set-Pieces
Asked if Arsenal can beat PSG, Merson added: 'Yeah I do, I do. Having that rest after winning the title was important, they didn't have any nervous energy going into the final day. I think they've got a chance, especially with the way they do set-plays. Anytime they get a set-piece will be like a penalty because PSG are a small team, they're a good team but they're a small team. I think PSG will struggle with that. You're talking about one of the best forward lines against one of the best defences.'
Ben White filled in at right-back while Timber was out but also suffered an injury, ruling him out of both the final and the World Cup. Arsenal reached their first Champions League final since 2006 by beating Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.
Ex-England Midfielder's View
Ex-England midfielder Gareth Barry told Action Network: 'Coming in as the underdogs is perfect for Arsenal. Winning the league will give them a big sigh of relief and confidence. While everyone is saying PSG are nailed on to win, given Arsenal's squad and capabilities, they can easily go and win on the day. I'm expecting a real good game and Arsenal should go in quietly confident.'
The Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, hosts the 2026 Champions League final. PSG beat Inter Milan 5-0 in last year's final.
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