Jurrien Timber in race to make Champions League final and solve Arsenal crisis

Jurrien Timber has given himself a fighting “chance” to be fit for the Champions League final. Mikel Arteta has confirmed Timber has stepped up fitness work and is making progress as he battles to be ready for the showdown with Paris Saint Germain in Budapest on May 30. Arsenal boss Arteta is facing an injury crisis in the right back slot as Ben White is facing a “long-term” injury lay-off with after damaging knee ligaments and Timber has not played since March. But there is now better news as Timber has a chance of making the final even if his comeback after a groin injury remains touch-and-go. Areta said: “He's progressed a little bit in the last few days. He's feeling better. We're going to try to get him available as quick as possible. But he's obviously been out now for a while, unfortunately. He's such an important player for us. We all know that. “And he's doing everything that he possibly can to help the team in any capacity. And I don't know, his leadership, his quality and how much the team needs him. He's trying everything that he can. “There is a chance. But how big that chance is, I cannot tell you. I'm being completely honest. He's going to try to do everything he can to convert that chance as high as possible in the shortest possible period. And that's the challenge ahead.” Arteta has confirmed that White - who injured his knee in Sunday’s win at West Ham - is now looking to next season and will almost certainly be out of contention for the World Cup. That leaves Arsenal facing the prospect of having to use centre half Cristhian Mosquera as a makeshift right back against PSG superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. They also have another injury worry with Riccardo Calafiori but Arteta says he hopes it is “nothing serious.” Arteta said: “It looks like a long-term injury with Ben. At the moment, the focus is that we can have him back to be available for Arsenal. That's not going to happen in many, many weeks. “We need to look at alternatives. The two players that we have there are not available at the moment. We need to look and do something else. The good thing is that we have experienced that all over the pitch this season.” Arteta insists that he is still only focusing on Monday’s clash with Burnley rather than worry about title rivals Manchester City . He added: “I feel that we have another opportunity on Monday to be a step closer. And that's the only thing.” Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.