Arteta Updates on Timber, Merino Ahead of UCL Final

Mikel Arteta, the current coach of Arsenal, addressed the media on May 8 regarding the fitness of players Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino ahead of the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30. Arteta ruled both players out for the weekend clash against West Ham and expressed uncertainty about their availability for the remainder of the season.

Jurrien Timber has not featured since Arsenal's Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City on March 22, while Mikel Merino is sidelined due to a broken foot. Arteta's focus has shifted to preparing the team for the Champions League final after Arsenal eliminated Atletico Madrid with a 2-1 aggregate score.

Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the final after a dramatic tie against Bayern Munich, which ended 1-1 in the second leg, following a 5-4 win on aggregate.