Merson insists Arteta must play injured Timber vs PSG in UCL final
Arsenal legend Paul Merson urges Mikel Arteta to play Jurrien Timber even at half-fitness for Saturday's Champions League final against PSG in Budapest. Timber has missed the last two months with a groin injury but Merson argues the 24-year-old Dutch defender 'has to play' in what could be Arteta's trophy to surpass Arsene Wenger as Arsenal's greatest manager.
The Gunners face Luis Enrique's PSG side in Budapest on May 31, 2026, seeking their first UCL title. Timber's potential return bolsters a defense that conceded just twice in Arsenal's last eight European matches before his injury. Arteta must weigh rushing Timber against risking further damage in football's biggest club match.
Will you back Arteta's gamble on a potentially 50% fit Timber for defensive solidity, or prefer he sticks with fully fit alternatives like Zinchenko or Saliba despite their lesser UCL experience?