Jurriën Timber gives Arsenal Champions League final fitness boost Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Jurriën Timber is fit to start the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, providing the Gunners with a significant boost ahead of the high-stakes clash at Puskas Arena. The 24-year-old defender, who had been sidelined since March 14 due to a groin injury, has returned to full training and is now in contention to make a dramatic return in the final. This development comes as Arsenal aim to secure their first-ever Champions League title, having been eliminated by PSG in the semifinals last season. Timber’s availability adds depth to Arsenal’s squad, which already includes Noni Madueke, who is back in action after suffering cramp in the final Premier League game against Crystal Palace. The Gunners’ victory in that match ended a 22-year wait to win the English top flight, setting the stage for their pursuit of European glory. Arteta emphasized the importance of the final, stating that the team must approach the match with "clarity, courage, and relentless desire to win" to claim the trophy. The final will mark Arsenal’s second appearance in the Champions League final, with their only previous encounter dating back to 2006, when Arsene Wenger’s side lost 2-1 to Barcelona in Paris. This year’s showdown against PSG, the reigning champions, carries immense significance. Arteta acknowledged the challenge posed by the French side, describing them as the "last ones who earned the right to lift that trophy" and vowing that Arsenal would "take that away from them." Arteta also addressed the pressure of the moment, insisting that the team’s ambition remains unchanged despite their recent domestic success. "We have one [title] and we want the second one," he said.#arsenal #paris_saint_germain #mikel_arteta #jurrien_timber #champions_league_final
FPL Focus: How to Add Value as Raya Reaches No. 1 Arsenal’s recent performances in the FA Cup and Champions League have set the stage for a crucial Premier League return this weekend, with Fantasy Premier League (FPL) gearing up for Gameweek 30. Following a 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the Gunners face Everton at Emirates Stadium, a match that promises to be pivotal for both teams. The victory over Brighton was marked by a strong defensive display, with Jurrien Timber and Gabriel leading the charge. Timber earned 13 points, while Gabriel secured 11, pushing the latter to the top of the FPL points table with a total of 164. Timber ranks third with 148 points, and Declan Rice sits at 160. Other contributors included Piero Hincapie and Bukayo Saka, both scoring nine points, while David Raya’s seven points solidified his position as the Premier League’s top goalkeeper with a season total of 122. Raya’s performance also edged out Everton’s Jordan Pickford, who trails with 117 points. Everton, meanwhile, brings a squad with six players in the FPL 100-point club. James Tarkowski leads the Toffees’ FPL tally with 136 points, despite recent dips in his scoring. Owned by 11.2% of squads, Tarkowski’s consistency, including a notable performance against Burnley, makes him a key asset. James Garner, a budget-friendly midfielder, has been overlooked this season but has delivered 129 points, offering value for managers seeking to fill gaps in their squads. Other notable players include Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Michael Keane, and Iliman Ndiaye, all contributing to Everton’s FPL success. As the Premier League campaign enters its final two months, the focus shifts to building squad value. Players in peak form will see their prices rise, but their effectiveness may diminish if they are already in multiple managers’ squads.#arsenal #fpl #jurrien_timber #gabriel #david_raya
