Timber Cleared to Start Champions League Final for Arsenal
Arsenal arrive in Budapest as Premier League champions, but Mikel Arteta knows the season’s defining judgment comes on Saturday evening at the Puskas Arena. Paris Saint-Germain await, the Champions League trophy on the line, and the Arsenal manager has delivered the update every supporter wanted to hear: Jurrien Timber is fit to start.
The Dutch defender, sidelined with a groin problem, travelled with the squad to Hungary and Arteta used his pre-match press conference to remove any lingering doubt. Timber is ready. For a side that has built its title win on control and composure from the back, that is a significant lift on the eve of a European final.
The mood around Arsenal has been buoyant all week. The Premier League trophy was paraded at Selhurst Park last weekend, the culmination of a relentless domestic campaign. Celebrations, photos, confetti – all of it deserved. But the tone changed the moment the plane touched down in Budapest. This group wants more than a parade; it wants a dynasty moment.
Timber back, Raya expected, Madueke fine
Timber’s return headlines the medical bulletin, yet he is not the only positive note.
David Raya, who missed the final league game at Crystal Palace with a combination of back, glute and shoulder issues, is expected to be available for selection. His absence at Selhurst Park sparked mild concern, but inside the club the message has remained consistent: this was precaution, not crisis. Now, with the Champions League final looming, the first-choice goalkeeper is on course to reclaim his place.
Noni Madueke also made it through the final day drama largely unscathed. The winger was withdrawn against Palace with a hamstring complaint, a moment that briefly quietened the away end, but subsequent reports suggested the decision came early enough to avoid serious damage. Arteta backed that up in Budapest, insisting the England international is fine and in contention.
For a coach who has pushed his squad hard across four competitions, reaching the last game of the season with key attacking and defensive weapons available counts as a small victory in itself.
White the major absentee
The one cloud over Arsenal’s preparations remains Ben White. The defender suffered a significant knee injury in the win over West Ham United, an issue serious enough to cut his season short. There has been no late twist, no surprise recovery. White will watch this one from the stands.
His absence strips Arsenal of one of their most durable and adaptable players, a figure who has quietly underpinned so much of their tactical flexibility. Arteta has had time to adjust, but losing a player of that stature always leaves a mark.
Champions of England, chasing Europe
So the picture is clear. Timber ready to start. Raya expected back in goal. Madueke fit. White ruled out.
Arsenal arrive in Budapest with a title in their luggage and a chance to crown their resurgence on the grandest club stage of all. The legs are tired, the season long, but this group has one more performance to deliver.
Against PSG, under the lights at the Puskas Arena, we find out whether this has been a memorable season — or a historic one.
