Arsenal defenders Timber and White doubts for Champions League final
Arsenal right-backs Jurrien Timber and Ben White are major doubts for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on 30 May due to late-season injuries.
Timber has not featured for the Gunners since 14 March after sustaining a persistent groin problem.
The 24-year-old Dutchman hopes to resume training this week to prove his fitness ahead of the European showpiece.
However, another failed rehabilitation attempt could result in surgery, effectively ruling him out of the upcoming World Cup in North America.
Defensive crisis deepens for Arteta
The north London club’s injury woes compounded on Sunday when White suffered a suspected knee ligament issue against West Ham.
Manager Mikel Arteta is now sweating on the severity of the Englishman’s problem with just two Premier League fixtures against Burnley and Crystal Palace remaining.
Arsenal’s backline was further depleted during the same match when Italy international Riccardo Calafiori was withdrawn at half-time.
World Cup aspirations hang in the balance
A potential long-term absence for Timber would be a significant blow for the Netherlands national team.
Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino is also fighting his own fitness battle after undergoing foot surgery four months ago.
Arteta confirmed both Merino and the former Ajax defender face a strict race against time to feature in Paris and secure their international spots.
Arsenal must quickly patch together a resilient defence to contain a potent French attack, which features highly-rated Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.