Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is working hard to start the Champions League final after completing first-team training.
The Gunners team returned to their London Colney training base on Wednesday after being granted two days off following their victory at Crystal Palace, which concluded the domestic season and saw the team win the Premier League title.
Timber sustained a hamstring injury against Everton in March, which has kept him out of action for two and a half months.
The defender has taken the initial steps toward being in contention, but it is unclear if Mikel Arteta is willing to take a chance on a player who won’t be fit for the game against Europe’s most formidable attack.
Timber Hopeful For A UCL Start
According to the Evening Standard, when asked whether he might play in the final, he said: “Hopefully, yes. There’s hope, but like I said, we’ll see.
“I’m working really hard, I’m trying really hard, and obviously playing in the Champions League final is a dream.
“So I will give everything, and with the World Cup as well, but obviously, first the Champions League final. It’s going to be amazing anyway.”
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Ben White had been filling in for Timber, has been out due to an injury of his own which has ruled him out of the game and the forthcoming World Cup.
Cristhian Mosquera is anticipated to start at right back against Paris Saint-Germain star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia if Timber is deemed unfit.
Arsenal will train in the Puskas Arena on Friday at 6 p.m. BST following their flight to Budapest on Thursday after Mikel Arteta’s news conference an hour earlier.
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