Paul Merson has made a bold case for Jurrien Timber to feature in Arsenal's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain this weekend, even if the Dutch defender is not at full fitness. The £38 million signing has been sidelined since March with a groin injury, missing the final stretch of Arsenal's Premier League title run—their first championship in 22 years.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, the Arsenal legend argued that Timber's defensive prowess is too valuable to leave on the bench. "He's got to play, even if he's half-fit I would take a chance on him because he has to play in that game," Merson stated. The former Gunners player believes Arteta should prioritize Timber's experience and quality over caution with injury management in a one-off showdown.
Arsenal's Set-Piece Advantage
Merson also outlined why Arsenal can defeat the Parisian side despite PSG's pedigree. He highlighted Arsenal's set-piece execution as a critical weapon. "Anytime they get a set-piece will be like a penalty because PSG are a small team, they're a good team but they're a small team," he explained. Merson noted that Arsenal's defensive solidity—ranked among Europe's elite—will trouble PSG's attacking threat, creating a compelling tactical battle.
The Gunners arrive in the final refreshed after clinching the Premier League title without Timber's presence, avoiding the psychological pressure that often haunts teams heading into European finals. Merson believes this mental advantage, combined with Arsenal's tactical discipline under Mikel Arteta, positions them well against the Ligue 1 champions.
Fellow pundit Ruud Gullit offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that a one-off knockout format does not inherently favor Arsenal despite their previous semi-final exit to PSG last season. As Timber's fitness status remains uncertain heading into Saturday's clash, the question of whether to gamble on his availability could prove decisive in determining whether Arsenal complete the domestic-European double.
