Arteta Gives Update On Timber, Merino Fitness, Speaks On Arsenal Vs PSG UCL Final

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has cast serious doubt over the availability of Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino for the rest of the season, while also insisting his side are prepared to “deliver” in the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Speaking earlier today, May 8, ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League trip to West Ham, Arteta ruled both players out of the weekend clash. On their availability going forward, he said: “No chance for the weekend.”

Pressed further on whether either player could feature again before the end of the campaign, he admitted uncertainty. Arteta said, “I don’t know.

“There’s a fair bit to do.

“Everything has to be so smooth and quick if they want the chance to play any minutes.”

Timber has not featured since Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City on March 22, while Merino is sidelined after suffering a broken foot.

Meanwhile, attention is already turning to Arsenal’s Champions League final showdown with PSG on May 30, where Arteta says his team are ready for the challenge after eliminating Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate.

PSG booked their place after a dramatic tie with Bayern Munich, drawing 1-1 in the second leg following a 5-4 win in Paris.

Arteta acknowledged the scale of the task ahead but backed his squad to rise to the occasion. “It is what it is,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.

“We know the level of the opposition we have to face either way, PSG or Bayern Munich.

“We know the quality they have but we are also very confident that when we get to that moment, we will deliver what we need to.”