Jurrien Timber is available to start for Arsenal in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, a late boost for Mikel Arteta on the eve of the club's biggest match in years.
Arteta confirmed the defender's fitness before the trip to Budapest, saying simply that Timber is fit and can start. That matters because Arsenal's right side has been under strain since Ben White was ruled out with a knee injury, leaving the manager with one less option in a final that will be decided by the smallest margins.
The update lands now because Arsenal have travelled to Budapest for a match that could deliver the first European Cup in the club's history. It also comes in the middle of a campaign in which the team have already been told they earned their place in the final the hard way, after beating the level of opposition that gets you to this stage and carrying the weight of a 22-year wait for another major title of this scale.
Timber's own route back has made his availability more striking. He had not played since mid-March and then suffered a setback in April, which prompted real concern that he might miss out altogether. Instead, he has recovered in time for the final, turning what looked like a doubt into a possible selection decision for Arteta.
The manager did not name his starting XI, so Timber's place is still not locked in, but the significance of his return is obvious. Arteta said the preparation has been really, really good, really focused, really positive, and he added that everyone in the squad understands how much this match means and how important each player can be when the moment demands it.
Arsenal are in Budapest to face Paris Saint-Germain with the chance to write a new chapter after the pain of losing the 2006 Champions League final to Barcelona. For Timber, the immediate question is whether he goes straight into the side; for Arsenal, his recovery has at least given Arteta one more trusted defender for a final that will ask for everything they have.
