Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has been named in the Netherlands’ 26-man World Cup squad despite missing the last eight weeks through injury.

The 24-year-old’s inclusion in the tournament squad has boosted Arsenal’s hopes of having him available for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain this Saturday.

Timber had been considered for involvement in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace last Sunday but was ultimately left out of the squad for that match.

Mikel Merino did return from injury during that Selhurst Park clash, having missed several months following surgery on a foot injury.

Noni Madueke sparked fears over his fitness during the Crystal Palace win after being forced off with a potential hamstring problem.

However, it has since emerged that Madueke avoided serious injury and is expected to be available to Mikel Arteta in Budapest this weekend.

Whether Timber will join him remains uncertain, with it considered highly unlikely he starts given he has not played since mid-March and would face Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

PSG winger Ousmane Dembele’s availability is considered a key factor in the final, having been forced off with a calf problem against Paris FC earlier this month.

Dembele has since issued a positive update on his fitness ahead of Saturday’s showpiece occasion in Budapest.

“I’m feeling much better than on Sunday,” Dembele said in an interview with M6, adding: “I had a minor scare, but the doctor told me there’s nothing to worry about.”

He also clarified the nature of the issue, stating: “It’s my calf; I had a slight twinge in my calf and I preferred not to take the risk.”

Dembele has since returned to training alongside Achraf Hakimi, who has also resumed full team sessions after missing a month with a thigh issue.

Hakimi is also heading to the World Cup, with Morocco announcing him as part of their squad set to travel to the United States.

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