Arsenal landed in Budapest on Thursday night, preparing for Saturday’s Champions League final against defending champions Paris Saint‑Germain at the Puskás Arena . The Dutch defender Jurrien Timber, who has been out with a hamstring, travelled with the squad, raising hopes of a late‑season comeback.

Jurrien Timber’s unexpected inclusion raises tactical options

Timber, sidelined for two and a half months, trained fully with the first team before the trip, according to the source . His presence on the bench could allow Mikel Arteta to rotate the back line if Ben White’s knee problem worsens, offering a fresh defensive outlet against PSG’s high‑line.

Arsenal’s route to Budapest:from Barcelona group to Atletico semi‑final heroics

The Gunners navigated a challenging group that featured Barcelona and Inter Milan, then eliminated Porto in the round of 16 before edging past Atletico Madrid on Bukayo Saka’s decisive second‑leg goal. The source notes that Arsenal finished the Premier League seven points clear of Manchester City, underscoring the momentum they carry into the continental showdown.

PSG’s attacking firepower versus Arsenal’s compact defence

Paris Saint‑Germain entered the final after a dramatic semi‑final win over Bayern Munich, with Kylian Mbappé and Neymar leading a lethal attack. Arteta is expected to deploy a compact defensive shape and quick transitions, relying on midfield anchors Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice to blunt PSG’s pressure,the report says.

Who will lead the line without Gabriel Jesus?

With Gabriel Jesus still sidelined , Kai Havertz is likely to spearhead Arsenal’s attack. The source highlights that Gabriel Martinelli and Saka will be tasked with stretching the PSG full‑backs, while the bench may feature young talents like Cristhian Mosquera alongside Timber.

What remains unclear about Arsenal’s final squad selection?

The source does not confirm whether Timber will start or remain an unused substitute , nor does it reveal the exact status of Ben White’s knee injury ahead of kickoff. Additionally, the timing of any last‑minute tactical tweaks by Arteta remains unreported.