As he considers his alternatives at right-back, Mikel Arteta is hoping that Jurriň Timber will get an opportunity to play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.
Ben White will miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury that is anticipated to prevent him from competing in the World Cup, according to Arsenal’s confirmation on Tuesday. However, Arteta stated that the defender must “wait and see” about the summer. Due to a groin injury, Timber hasn’t played since Arsenal’s victory over Everton on March 14. According to reports, the Netherlands defender was on the verge of making a comeback at the end of last month before suffering a setback.
Cristhian Mosquera is anticipated to step in against Burnley on Monday night, although Riccardo Calafiori, who was hurt against West Ham last Sunday but is back in training, would be a possibility after playing right-back in the second half of Arsenal’s league-stage victory over PSG last year. As Arsenal is ready to play Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in Budapest on May 27, Arteta is hopeful that Timber, one of his most reliable players this season, will be in the running for the final.
Arsenal star facing race against time to make Champions League final
Ben White, who sustained what appears to be a knee ligament damage at West Ham on Sunday, is now another concern for Arsenal. Given the seriousness of his injury, White fears a lay-off as Arsenal prepares for the Champions League final on May 30 as well as two Premier League games against Burnley and Crystal Palace. Because of this, the Gunners have very few choices at right back, but Timber is not giving up.
The 24-year-old Timber wants to at least try to train this week before stepping up to perhaps make a comeback for the Champions League final. However, as Timber has made unsuccessful attempts in the past, there is no assurance that his ramping up training will be successful. Rather than having surgery and missing the World Cup, this week will be crucial to his chances of making a comeback.
Both Timber and Mikel Merino, who had foot surgery four months ago, will have to prove they are healthy for both the World Cup and the final, according to Gunners manager Mikel Arteta.
