Timber offers Arsenal fans Champions League final hope as defender praises Arteta transformation | OneFootball

Jurrien Timber has handed Arsenal fans fresh hope that he could still feature in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain after revealing he is “working really hard” to recover from injury.

The Holland defender has not played since suffering a groin problem in Arsenal’s win over Everton back in March, but speaking at the club’s media day ahead of Sunday’s final Premier League game at Crystal Palace and the Champions League final on May 30, Timber admitted there is still hope he could return in time for Budapest.

“Well, it’s been a bit slower than expected, but I’ve worked really hard to come back, so hopefully, let’s see,” Timber said.

Asked directly whether he could still be available for the final against PSG, he added: “Hopefully, yes. There’s hope, but like I said, we’ll see.

“I’m working really hard, I’m trying really hard, and obviously playing in the Champions League final is a dream. So I will give everything.”

The 24 year old was speaking days after Arsenal secured the Premier League title, although he admitted becoming champions still feels surreal.

“No, not yet,” he said when asked if it had fully sunk in. “It’s almost a bit strange still but I can tell you we enjoyed it. I could feel with the fans, but everyone here as well, the feeling, the relief and just the enjoyment of being champion.”

Timber also revealed the importance of a pre season meeting led by Mikel Arteta which helped convince the squad they could finally dethrone Manchester City.

“He sat us all down by the tree and we had a good talk about what a season is going to look like with the squad,” Timber explained.

“You have so many moments during the season. Newcastle away when Gabi scored the header. Even the last game against West Ham where David saves that ball and Leo scores that goal. The margins are so small, but the moments are so important.”

The defender reserved special praise for Arteta, crediting the Arsenal manager for rebuilding both the squad and the connection with supporters.

“I think he’s a perfect example of building a club towards where he is now,” Timber said.

“He makes every player better. He’s built one of the best teams in the world. I think he’s one of the best managers there is.

“To me personally, he’s been so good. He’s always given me so much confidence and made me a lot better as well.”

Timber also praised captain Martin Odegaard, describing the Norwegian playmaker as “one of the first ones to deserve this trophy” after Arsenal’s long wait to become champions finally came to an end.