Timber named in Netherlands World Cup squad as Arsenal await Champions League final fitness verdict

Jurrien Timber has been named in the Netherlands’ 26-man World Cup squad, providing Arsenal with a tentative fitness signal ahead of their Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on Saturday. The 24-year-old defender has been sidelined since mid-March, and his inclusion in a tournament beginning within weeks suggests medical staff believe he is on track to recover.

There had been hope Timber might feature in Arsenal’s 2-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last Sunday, but he was left out of the matchday squad entirely. Whether he will be available for Mikel Arteta in Budapest remains uncertain, and a starting role is considered highly unlikely given his extended absence and the prospect of facing PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Mikel Merino did return from injury in that Crystal Palace fixture, having missed several months following foot surgery, giving Arsenal at least one boost in midfield. Noni Madueke also raised concerns during the match after requiring treatment for a potential hamstring problem and being substituted, but it has since been reported that he escaped serious injury and is expected to be available for the final.

On the PSG side, Ousmane Dembélé’s fitness is the central question for Luis Enrique’s side. The winger was substituted off with a calf complaint against Paris FC earlier this month and has not played since, missing even an internal friendly organised by the club. However, Dembélé offered an encouraging update ahead of the final. “I’m feeling much better than on Sunday,” he told M6. “I had a minor scare, but the doctor told me there’s nothing to worry about. It’s my calf; I had a slight twinge and I preferred not to take the risk.”

Dembélé has since returned to training alongside right-back Achraf Hakimi, who has also rejoined full team sessions after a month out with a thigh complaint. Hakimi, like Timber, has been named in his country’s World Cup squad, with Morocco selecting him for the tournament in the United States.

The fitness status of both Dembélé and Timber is expected to shape the tactical approaches of both managers heading into what promises to be a tightly contested final, with PSG’s attacking depth pitted against an Arsenal defensive unit widely regarded as one of Europe’s best.