Arsenal injuries to Timber and Merino threaten season's final push

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Dutch full‑back Jurrien Timber and Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino are unlikely to play again this season. Timber has been sidelined for almost two months with a groin injury and was ruled out of the upcoming West Ham match, while Merino is still recovering from foot surgery that began in early February. Arteta said the prolonged recoveries have been “the most difficult thing to manage” and added, “I don’t know, there’s still a fair bit to do,” highlighting the uncertainty over their fitness before the campaign’s final weeks.

The club remains five points clear at the top of the Premier League and is preparing for a Champions League final against Paris Saint‑Germain, but the injury setbacks could limit squad options as they aim to secure the league title in the remaining fixtures.