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Heading into the Champions League final, the primary injury concerns for Arsenal were Jurriën Timber and Noni Madueke. Thankfully, both of them were passed fit by Mikel Arteta yesterday.
However, the question remains - Just how fit is Timber? It is one thing to be able to play, but another thing to be ready to play. The Champions League final is no lazy beach holiday. It's now or never. It is the final game Arsenal have to turn this from a great season into a memorable season.
The good news is that Timber has already played a game. According to HandofArsenal's sources on X, who are very rarely wrong about Arsenal matters, Timber has played in a behind-closed-doors friendly before the Champions League final.
One more step Arsenal nation. I honestly think days like today will become a regular for us under Mikel. Be confident but be humble. One more step. One source tells me Timber has played a behind closed doors friendly recently…
— HandofArsenal (@HandofArsenal) May 30, 2026
Fully behind you Mikel. COYG. pic.twitter.com/2vjXzNyReX
Jurriën Timber vs Cristhian Mosquera is the debate of the final
If Timber is match-fit, this is huge. It quite literally changes the entire dynamic of the game, since he would be responsible for defending against Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a contender for the best player in the world.
Cristhian Mosquera can still do the job; that's not in dispute. The Spaniard didn't make the Spanish World Cup team, but Arsenal know what he can provide from his short spell already this season.
The difference between Timber and Mosquera is that Timber is a little more complete. They are pretty similar in their defensive acumen, but Timber is far better in the final third. If PSG allow for attacking down that channel, Arsenal fans would feel far more comfortable with Timber operating it than Mosquera.
All things considered, Cristhian Mosquera is the sensible option
The one thing that Arsenal must be cautious of, and they will be, is how rusty Timber might be. He hasn't been missing for the entire season, but a significant chunk of it.
Nevertheless, form is very rarely a consideration on a stage as big as the Champions League final. Anything can happen, and the most unexpected of players can turn up.
All that being said, we do think Timber will play a reduced role in this match. Of course, it is great news that he can play any role at all, but the most sensible option is for Mikel Arteta to start Mosquera.
Timber can certainly provide a threat later in the game, perhaps in the second half if he is needed. The good news is that Arsenal don't lose much defensively from starting Mosquera.
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