Arteta faces selection headache as key player could be out of UCL final | OneFootball

Arsenal prepare for their monumental UEFA Champions League final clash against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30. The Gunners reached the final after beating Atletico Madrid in the semifinal and now face the defending champions of the competition.

According to Daily Mirror, standout full-back Jurrien Timber is locked in a desperate race against time to prove his fitness for the European showpiece.

The Dutchman has struggled for fitness in the last few weeks and his absence is expected to be a major worry for Arteta and his staff.

Timber has struggled with fitness issues recently

Sidelined since March 14 due to a persistent groin issue, the 24-year-old Dutch international is approaching a definitive “make or break” week in his rehabilitation.

Timber’s potential availability could ultimately dictate Arsenal’s tactical approach as they seek to claim the ultimate prize in club football.

The timing of Timber’s absence is particularly agonising given the sheer scale of his contributions this season.

Prior to his setback, the versatile defender had firmly established himself as one of the Premier League’s premier full-backs, offering elite 1v1 defensive security and exceptional composure in possession.

Arteta will be short of options at right-back

Ben White sustained a suspected knee ligament injury during the London derby against West Ham United, leaving the Gunners critically short of natural, top-tier cover on the right flank.

Awaiting Arsenal in the final is a star-studded Paris Saint-Germain side who have Khvicha Kvaratskhelia playing on the left-wing for them and considering his form and talent, the Gunners would need their right-back to be at the top of his game.

Should Timber’s intensive training push fail to produce positive results this week, Arteta will be forced into an emergency tactical reshuffle against one of the most lethal attacking units on the continent.

While Arsenal remain entirely focused on navigating their final two Premier League fixtures against Burnley and Crystal Palace to seal domestic glory, Arteta will have one eye on the final against PSG.