Timber Cleared to Start Champions League Final for Arsenal

Arsenal arrive in Budapest with the Premier League trophy already banked and a shot at Europe’s biggest prize now in their sights. Mikel Arteta’s latest injury bulletin only sharpens that focus.

The Arsenal manager confirmed in his pre‑match press conference that Jurrien Timber is fit to start against Paris Saint-Germain at the Puskas Arena on Saturday evening. For a final of this magnitude, it is a significant lift.

Timber, listed with a groin problem, travelled with the squad to Hungary and has come through the final checks. His availability gives Arteta valuable flexibility across the back line, whether he starts at full-back or tucks inside to form a back three in possession. After days of speculation, the doubts around him have cleared at exactly the right time.

The news around the rest of the squad is largely positive as well.

David Raya, who sat out the final Premier League game of the season at Selhurst Park with a combination of back, glute and shoulder issues, is expected to return in goal. Arsenal managed without him against Crystal Palace; against the reigning European champions, his distribution and composure under pressure could be central to their approach.

Noni Madueke also appears ready to go. The winger felt a hamstring problem on the final day of the league campaign and was withdrawn, but that change is now understood to have been precautionary. Arteta stated in Budapest that the England international is fine, preserving another key option in the wide areas for a game likely to be decided by moments in transition.

The one major absentee is Ben White. The defender suffered a significant knee injury in the win over West Ham United, an issue serious enough to end his season early. His blend of defensive reliability and attacking thrust on the right will be hard to replicate on a night like this, and his absence forces Arteta to lean even more heavily on Timber’s versatility.

Arsenal have already scaled one mountain by reclaiming the Premier League title. With Timber cleared, Raya poised to return and Madueke available, Arteta takes his team into Budapest close to full strength. Now comes the question that will define their season: can this group turn domestic dominance into European glory against the holders?