Arsenal star Jurrien Timber provides injury update ahead of Champions League final | OneFootball

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has provided a personal injury update ahead of the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30.

The Gunners take on the Ligue 1 club in their first final of the elite European competition since 2006 and manager Mikel Arteta will be looking forward to returning to Emirates Stadium with the trophy.

Only Timber and Mikel Merino are currently unavailable for selection for Arsenal, but the Spain international midfielder is back in training and could be available against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

His Dutch teammate has been absent since the 2-0 win over Everton in March but could return in time for the Champions League final.

“It’s been a bit slower than expected,” Timber told Sky Sports when asked about his fitness.

“But I’m working really hard to come back. Hopefully, let’s see. Hopefully. There is hope. But we’ll see. I’m working really hard and trying really hard. Playing in a Champions League final is a dream. I’m trying everything, for the World Cup as well. But first the Champions League final. It’s going to be amazing anyway.”

Arsenal could do with Timber in the final as they need someone capable of keeping Ousmane Dembele and the PSG attackers at bay.

He is one of the best defenders in one-on-one situations and the Gunners need that particular quality against the French club.

Arteta has other options at full-back after a solid summer recruitment last year, but the Arsenal boss will prefer the Dutchman to others.

They have come this far without him and will fancy their chances of getting the job done against PSG in his absence.