UMVA has learned that Dutch defender Jurrien Timber has rejoined Arsenal’s first‑team training ahead of the Champions League final against Paris Saint‑Germain.
The 23‑year‑old has been sidelined since Arsenal’s March victory over Everton, missing fourteen consecutive matches due to a nagging groin injury that has left a gaping hole at right‑back.
Ben White’s season‑ending knee surgery compounded the dilemma, forcing Mikel Arteta to reshuffle his back line and sparking intense speculation about Timber’s readiness for the biggest stage.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Timber resumed individual drills earlier this week and was back alongside his teammates on Wednesday, signaling a possible comeback.
The former Ajax prospect emerged from a grueling rehabilitation program unscathed, and his inclusion in the Netherlands World Cup squad this month suggests his fitness is improving.
Dutch coach Ronald Koeman confirmed that Timber was expected to train with the national team on Thursday to assess his condition ahead of the weekend, adding that the Champions League final looms as a decisive test.
“We’ll have to wait and see if he’ll make it,” Koeman said, highlighting the uncertainty that still hangs over the Arsenal defender’s match‑day roster.
If cleared, Timber would line up against the blistering pace of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, one of football’s most dangerous wingers, a challenge that could define his return.
In Timber’s absence, centre‑back Cristhian Mosquera has been thrust into the right‑back role, delivering solid performances after being shifted from central defence.
Former Arsenal right‑back Emmanuel Eboue urged Arteta to trust the veteran Villarreal star, cautioning that the intensity of a final against PSG might be too demanding for a player who has not featured in competitive action for months.
“Timber will want to play,” Eboue said. “But he has not played for a long time. He has to wait a little bit then we can see.”
