Jurrien Timber is a major injury doubt for the Champions League final against PSG though Arsenal appear to have received a big return boost
Arsenal star Jurrien Timber has been named in the Netherlands' 26-man World Cup squad.
The versatile defender has been sidelined for the past eight weeks through injury, but his inclusion in a tournament beginning in just a matter of weeks could boost Arsenal's chances of having him fit for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain this Saturday.
There had been some hope he might feature against Crystal Palace last Sunday, but the 24-year-old was left out of the matchday squad.
Mikel Merino did return from injury in that encounter at Selhurst Park, though, having been absent for several months following foot surgery.
Noni Madueke raised injury fears during that 2-1 win after needing treatment from physios for a potential hamstring problem and being substituted
However, it has since been reported that he escaped injury and is set to be available for Mikel Arteta in Budapest this weekend.
Whether Timber will join him remains uncertain, with a starting role highly improbable given he hasn't featured since mid-March and would be facing the electric Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
PSG's formidable attack going head-to-head with Arsenal's world-class defence is the key battle this weekend, with Ousmane Dembele's availability crucial to that equation.
He was substituted off with a calf injury against Paris FC earlier this month and has not played since, which included sitting out an internal friendly organised by the Champions League holders.
Despite this, he has provided an encouraging fitness update ahead of the final. "I'm feeling much better than on Sunday," Dembele told M6. "I had a minor scare, but the doctor told me there's nothing to worry about.
He added: "It's my calf; I had a slight twinge in my calf and I preferred not to take the risk."
Dembele has since been back in training alongside Achraf Hakimi, who has also returned to full team sessions after being sidelined for the past month with a thigh complaint.
The PSG right-back is additionally bound for the World Cup, with Morocco naming him in their squad set to travel to the United States.