Arsenal Arrives in Budapest with Key Players Fit for Champions League Final
Mikel Arteta will walk into the Puskas Arena on Saturday with something every manager craves before a Champions League final: clarity. His Arsenal squad, fresh from lifting the Premier League trophy, has taken shape at exactly the right moment – and a key defender is ready to lead from the front.
Arsenal face reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, a 5pm kick-off that could turn a remarkable season into a historic one. The title celebrations at Selhurst Park are done. The open-top buses have been parked. This week has been about detail, recovery and, crucially, bodies returning.
Timber cleared to start
The headline news belongs to Jurrien Timber. Injured players often travel for finals as part of the group. This trip is different.
Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Timber is not just back in the squad – he is fit to start. The full-back, who had been nursing a groin problem, travelled with the team to Hungary and has come through the final checks, giving Arsenal a significant lift on the eve of the game.
For a side that thrives on building attacks from the back and compressing space out of possession, having Timber available from the first whistle changes the complexion of Arteta’s back line.
Raya ready to return
There is more good news in goal. David Raya, who sat out the final Premier League game of the season against Crystal Palace with back, glute and shoulder issues, is expected to be available for selection.
His absence at Selhurst Park prompted some concern, but Arsenal have managed his workload carefully. All indications from the camp point to the Spaniard being ready for the biggest night of Arsenal’s European season, restoring stability in a position that has underpinned their title charge.
Madueke scare eased
Noni Madueke’s late-season scare appears to have come and gone at the right time for Arsenal.
The winger suffered a hamstring problem on the final day against Palace and was withdrawn, but that change was understood to be precautionary rather than a sign of serious damage. Arteta reinforced that message in Budapest, stating that the England international is fine.
For a final of this magnitude, having Madueke’s pace and directness available – whether from the start or off the bench – gives Arsenal another sharp edge against a PSG side that can be stretched in wide areas.
White ruled out
Not every story has a happy ending.
Ben White’s season is already over after the significant knee injury he picked up in the win over West Ham United. The defender’s absence has forced Arteta to adjust in recent weeks, and he will not be part of the group chasing European glory in Hungary.
White’s loss still bites, but the timing of the other returns has softened the blow.
So Arsenal arrive in Budapest as champions of England, close to full strength, and with a key defender cleared to start. One game now stands between Arteta’s side and the chance to turn a memorable season into an era-defining one.
