As the excitement builds for the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal fans have reason to celebrate.
The Gunners have received a significant boost with the return of two crucial players, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, to full training just in time for their pivotal match in Paris.
Timber, the talented Dutch defender, had been sidelined due to a knock sustained during the first leg, which ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium. His absence was felt during Arsenal’s recent 2-1 Premier League loss to Bournemouth, where the team struggled to maintain defensive solidity.
Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, is optimistic about Timber’s return but has indicated that a final assessment will determine if he can start the match. “We will assess him today, whether he can start the game or not,” Arteta shared, highlighting the importance of Timber’s presence in the lineup.
Calafiori’s journey back to fitness has been a long one, having not played since suffering a knee injury while representing Italy on international duty in March. Missing ten crucial fixtures, his return is a welcome sight for Arsenal.
Arteta confirmed that Calafiori has traveled with the squad and is ready to make an impact, even if he is not expected to start. “He’s fit and ready to play when we need him. So that’s great news, obviously,” Arteta said, reflecting the optimism surrounding the Italian’s recovery.
This return of Timber and Calafiori is especially vital as Arsenal faces challenges with Gabriel and Takehiro Tomiyasu ruled out for the remainder of the season. In their absence, Jakub Kiwior has stepped up admirably in central defense, earning high praise from Arteta for his performances.
“He deserves a lot of credit as he has not played too much and now he has been thrown into the hardest context,” Arteta remarked, emphasizing Kiwior’s exceptional adaptability during this critical phase of the season.