Arsenal information: Mikel Arteta ‘virtually walked’ as substitute recognized forward of ultimate
Arsenal prepare for the Champions League final against PSG, but face an injury concern over Jurrien Timber as Ronald Koeman names World Cup standby options
Mikel Arteta could claim a historic double
The Arsenal juggernaut is Budapest-bound next. After clinching the Premier League title with a match to spare, Gunners supporters have been revelling in the club’s first league triumph in 22 years.
For Mikel Arteta and his squad, it’s back to the grind as they aim to secure a historic double by overcoming reigning champions and favourites Paris Saint-Germain in the Hungarian capital.
Arteta had the privilege of resting players for the final-day victory at Palace, ensuring most of the team is fit and rejuvenated for the crucial match. However, there are a few injury worries, particularly concerning Jurrien Timber, who is battling to be fit in time.
Jurrien Timber’s World Cup replacement identified
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Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has provided an update on Timber after revealing a couple of World Cup contingency options, reports the Mirror.
Having missed the last 14 matches due to a groin problem, the full-back is recovering but is in a race against time to be fit for Saturday.
Keeping a watchful eye on the situation is Koeman, who has made arrangements in case the 24-year-old is ruled out of the World Cup by placing Ian Maatsen and Lutsharel Geertruida on standby. He stated: “This is linked to Jurrien Timber.
“The situation with him is that he was due to train with the squad, to see how things look ahead of the weekend. They have the Champions League final on Saturday. We’ll have to wait and see if he’ll make it.”
Timber himself has voiced optimism that he will be fit, saying: “There’s hope, but we’ll see. I’m working 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.” Should he feature, Timber will be tasked with neutralising threatening PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
‘Mikel Arteta could have walked’
Arteta might have fallen on his sword and resigned from Arsenal had they blown the Premier League.
That’s the view of former Gunners defender Emmanuel Eboue, who believes a fourth consecutive runners-up spot would have proved unbearable for the Spaniard.
Eboue told BetMGM: “I think if he didn’t win the Premier League, he may have decided to go.
“When you are at a club that loves you, who gives you everything to win the league… After you’ve given everything, your best, to go so close after 22 years without winning it, I think he could have walked away.”
While Arteta’s touchline theatrics don’t appeal to everyone, Eboue adores his intensity. He continued: “I’m so happy for him. This year, Arsenal have won the Premier League because of him.
“He worked so hard for the club to bring this success. Even on the bench, he never sits. He is so involved, I am so impressed with him.”
