Arsenal Receive Injury Lift with Key Return Ahead of PSG Second Leg | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Injury Boost as Champions League Clash with PSG Nears

Timber Return Offers Timely Lift

Arsenal’s pursuit of a place in the Champions League final has been handed a potentially vital lift with Jurrien Timber returning to full training ahead of Wednesday’s second leg against Paris Saint-Germain. The Dutch defender, who missed Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth, was considered doubtful after Mikel Arteta admitted post-match that he was “not confident” about his availability.

But Timber’s presence in training on Tuesday morning, as the squad prepared to fly to Paris, represents a significant morale boost. A player who has shown his composure in high-stakes moments, his inclusion could bolster Arsenal’s defence at a critical juncture.

Arteta’s side trail 1-0 from the first leg at Emirates Stadium, a match decided by Ousmane Dembélé’s late strike. With the margin slim and the stakes sky-high, Timber’s return could help tilt the balance Arsenal’s way.

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Odegaard Eases Concerns, Midfield Stability Grows

There was further encouragement for the Gunners with captain Martin Ødegaard also taking part in Tuesday’s session. The Norwegian playmaker was seen limping towards the end of the Bournemouth clash, sparking concerns over his condition. However, those fears appear unfounded after a full training appearance.

Ødegaard’s presence brings calm and control, attributes that will be needed in Paris if Arsenal are to dictate tempo and open space in PSG’s disciplined shape.

In midfield, Riccardo Calafiori also trained as he edges closer to recovery from a knee injury. The Italian has impressed when fit this term, offering both defensive resilience and progressive passing. His return to the fold is timely, even if only from the bench.

However, Jorginho remains absent with a rib problem, and while his leadership in tight contests will be missed, Arteta will hope Calafiori and others can compensate.

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Arsenal’s Injury Situation Remains Mixed

Despite the positive signs, Arteta’s squad is still far from full strength. Kai Havertz is yet to resume training, while the club has confirmed that Gabriel, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.

The absence of Gabriel in particular leaves Arsenal thin in central defence, where Timber’s potential return now becomes even more important. With the margins tight, every piece of defensive cohesion matters in European knockout football.

Arteta is expected to provide a full injury update during his pre-match press conference in Paris on Wednesday evening, but for now, there is quiet optimism within the camp.

PSG Fitness Boost Ahead of Second Leg

Their opponents also received encouraging news on the injury front. Ousmane Dembélé, who scored the decisive goal in north London, had been a doubt after hobbling off late with a hamstring concern. But the French winger has trained this week and is expected to be fit for the return leg.

That development maintains PSG’s attacking threat on the flanks, where Dembele’s pace and directness caused issues for Arsenal in the first meeting. With both sides dealing with tight injury windows, it may come down to who best adapts under pressure.