As Arsenal prepare for their first Champions League final in nearly two decades, a fierce debate has erupted over one of Mikel Arteta’s most important defensive decisions. Jurrien Timber, widely regarded as the Premier League’s finest right-back, faces the very real prospect of starting on the bench in the showpiece event against the advice of several high-profile pundits.
Arsenal booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, thanks to Bukayo Saka’s first-half goal. The result capped a memorable few days for the Gunners, who also saw Manchester City slip up against Everton in the Premier League title race. A potential historic double — the club’s first league title since 2003-04 and their maiden Champions League crown — now looms large.
The final will take place in Budapest on May 30, and Arteta must navigate several selection dilemmas. Kai Havertz is closing in on a return from a muscle injury, but Viktor Gyokeres’ strong form makes him the favourite to lead the line. In midfield, the choice between Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze for the No 10 role adds another layer of intrigue. Yet the most contentious issue revolves around the right-back position.
Timber has been sidelined since mid-March with a groin problem and is in a race against time to regain full fitness. While the Dutch international is targeting a return for the final, former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker believes Arteta should resist the temptation to throw him straight into such a high-stakes occasion.
Speaking on CBS Sports, Reo-Coker said: “That’s a big call. He has been out for so long… are you going to put him straight in a Champions League final? Right about now, for players who are fit and playing with rhythm, I don’t think you can put Timber in now, with how long he’s been out for. I don’t think you could.”
Reo-Coker was quick to praise Timber’s quality, describing him as “the best right-back in the Premier League,” but stressed the importance of momentum and match sharpness at this stage of the season.
“You want your best players playing in the biggest games”
Not everyone agrees. Troy Deeney took the opposite view, insisting that Timber’s elite quality outweighs any concerns about rustiness.
“That’s wild,” Deeney responded. “Yes [Timber should start] because he is their best player. You want your best players playing in the biggest games, that’s it.”
Deeney pointed to Arsenal’s earlier struggles at right-back this season, noting that Ben White endured a difficult outing against Sporting CP before being replaced, only for his deputy Cristhian Mosquera to suffer similar issues. He also referenced Arteta’s Carabao Cup final decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga over David Raya as evidence that the Spaniard is willing to make bold calls based on what he believes gives the team the best chance of success.
“If he gets injured in the game, you take him off and you bring Ben White or Mosquera in,” Deeney added.
The debate intensified further when Dutch legend Wesley Sneijder delivered a scathing assessment of Ben White’s credentials. Speaking on Ziggo Sport, Sneijder claimed: “You have Timber in your squad, and you think, ‘that’s a good full-back, he’s going to help me’. Then he drops out for a long time and then you have to fit in White… Timber wouldn’t even let him tie his shoelaces.”
Arsenal’s long-term planning appears to acknowledge the need for greater competition and cover at right-back. The club has reportedly opened the door to a potential summer exit for White and has shortlisted several younger alternatives, including Tino Livramento and Ivan Fresneda. Positive talks have already been held over one specific target.
For now, all eyes remain on Arteta’s final preparations. With Timber’s return uncertain and the stakes at their highest, the manager faces a defining choice: trust the rhythm and reliability of his current setup or gamble on reintegrating his standout performer for the biggest night of his Arsenal career.
Whatever decision Arteta makes, one thing is clear — the road to Champions League glory will test every facet of his squad management. Arsenal fans will be hoping their manager gets it right on May 30.