Arteta Clings to Hope for Timber's CL Final Return as Arsenal Chase European Glory

Arsenal's Champions League final hopes have received a potential boost, with Mikel Arteta suggesting there remains a glimmer of possibility that Jurrien Timber could feature in next weekend's showpiece despite two months on the sidelines.

The Gunners' star right-back has been a significant miss since suffering a groin injury in March, and while initial expectations suggested a shorter absence, Timber has yet to return to action. A previous update from Arteta indicated the defender could miss the remainder of the season, compounded by Ben White's unavailability until summer.

Speaking at Thursday's press conference, Arteta outlined the latest position on both injury fronts. "Mikel is going to start training with the group tomorrow," the Arsenal boss said, referring to Merino. "Jurrien, let's hope he can do the same in the next few days. But he's still a little further behind Mikel at that moment."

While Arteta stopped short of ruling out Timber entirely, experts have highlighted the challenge facing any player attempting to make such a high-stakes comeback. Stephen Smith, CEO and founder of performance specialists Kitman Labs, explained the complexities involved.

"If the player is not on the field and training at this point after two months out, think of the match sharpness they have lost," Smith told Metro. "Not to say it is impossible, it is not like he has been sat at home, I am sure they are doing a lot of work with him."

Smith acknowledged that Arsenal's injury crisis—with both full-back options compromised—might force a rethink. "Arsenal are short of numbers with Ben White out so it could maybe change their posture towards that and how they think about utilising Timber in these final weeks. But it certainly makes it more difficult. The importance of the games coming up too, everything matters."

Arteta's optimism about Timber's prospects comes hot on the heels of Arsenal's Premier League title triumph. Fresh off clinching the crown, the Spanish manager reflected on the moment he learned the job was done.

"It's incredible to hear those words, especially when you consider the journey they've been on, the manner that we've done it, and how many people have been involved and waiting so long to complete that goal," Arteta said.

The manager's experience of title-winning night proved unconventional. Rather than watching alongside his squad at the club's Colney training base, Arteta headed home. "You don't realise it. It's one of the best feelings I've ever had," he explained. "I was supposed to be here at Colney watching the game with the boys but I couldn't. I had to leave, I couldn't bring the energy that I wanted. I think it was the moment to watch it together themselves."

Instead, Arteta opted for a garden barbecue and largely avoided the television coverage. "I went home, I went out to the garden, did a barbecue and didn't watch any of it. I heard some noises from the living room and suddenly the magic happened. It was beautiful to see the joy on my family's faces."