Arsenal head into Saturday’s Champions League final in Budapest with Premier League title celebrations still fresh in supporters’ minds.
The Gunners secured their first league championship in 22 years, ending a long wait that had tested the patience of players, staff and fans alike.
Mikel Arteta’s side now target a historic double, facing holders and favourites Paris Saint-Germain in the Hungarian capital this weekend.
Arteta was able to rotate his squad during the final-day victory at Crystal Palace, leaving most players fresh and ready for the showpiece occasion.
One major fitness concern remains, however, with defender Jurrien Timber in a race against the clock to be fit in time for Saturday’s final.
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has named Ian Maatsen and Lutsharel Geertruida as standby options should the 24-year-old miss both the final and the World Cup.
Koeman said: “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 spoken positively about his chances of featuring, expressing his desire to take part in both upcoming competitions.
The defender said: “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 Timber recover in time, he would be tasked with stopping dangerous PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on what promises to be a demanding night.
Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue has suggested Arteta might have walked away from the club had they not won the Premier League title this season.
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.”
Timber has been absent for 14 consecutive matches with a groin problem, making his involvement in the final against PSG far from guaranteed at this stage.
Eboue, who defended for Arsenal during his own playing career, was full of praise for the job Arteta has done in delivering long-awaited silverware.
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.”
