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Race against time Arsenal get Timber hope amid injury crisis ahead of crucial EPL matches, Champions League final

MIKEL ARTETA believes Jurrien Timber has a “chance” to be fit for Arsenal’s Champions League final as the defender faces a race against time to resolve the club’s right-back crisis. Ben White was ruled out of Arsenal’s pivotal run-in with a knee injury, while Timber has been absent for two months due to a groin problem. The injuries leave Arsenal exposed at right-back for their concluding Premier League matches against Burnley and Crystal Palace, and their European showpiece with Paris Saint-Germain on May 30. It could leave Cristhian Mosquera or left-back Riccardo Calafiori deputising, and having to deal with PSG’s danger man, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, in Budapest. Lille, Lyon eye CL as French season ends IT WAS to the surprise of nobody that Paris Saint-Germain clinched a fifth straight Ligue 1 title in mid week, but behind them there are still numerous matters to be sorted out when the French sea son concludes today. PSG officially ended the title race on Wednesday with a 2-0 win away to nearest rivals Lens, who will finish second and go into the league phase of next season’s Champions League. Luis Enrique’s side can now focus on the Champions League final against Arsenal in Budapest on May 30, at least once today’s trip across the road to neighbours Paris FC is out of the way. The only issue appears to be sorting out when exactly PSG will receive their trophy, with their opponents refusing to allow them to stage a ceremony on the pitch at their Stade Jean-Bouin after the match. The top three in Ligue 1 go directly into the Champions League, while the team finishing fourth must enter in the third qualifying round and win two ties in order to reach the league phase. Lens have done their job and are now preparing for the French Cup final against Nice on May 22, but they will still have a say in who takes third place as they go to Lyon today. Lille currently sit third, mean ing a win at home to relegation threatened Auxerre will guaran tee them a return to Europe’s top table. But any slip-up will open the door to Lyon, who are just a point behind as the financially-troubled club seek a first involvement in the Champions League since reaching the semifinals in 2020. “When we started the season, who could have believed we would finish in these places,” asked Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca. “When you see the invest ments made by other clubs and by us, I never would have thought we would be where we are.” – AFP

Arteta revealed he did not watch City cruise to a 3-0 win against Palace on Thursday – which allowed Pep Guardiola’s side to peg the Gunners back to two points with just six to play for – because he was attending a din ner with the club’s title sponsor, Emirates. But when asked if he feels as though he has one hand on the Premier League trophy, Arteta said: “I feel that we have another opportunity next week to be a step closer. And that’s the only thing. “The team is really present, just living the moment, and emo tionally in a really good state. The energy level is the right one. Everybody is so enthusiastic and so positive about the way that we can finish the season.” – The Independent Boro want Saints kicked out of playoffs MIDDLESBROUGH have called for Southampton to be kicked out of the Championship playoffs over spying allegations. The Saints were charged by the EFL last Friday with observing a training ses sion at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park complex, two days before the sides met in a playoff semifinal first leg. Middlesbrough confirmed yesterday they had sought to be a party in the independent commission hearing but were denied the opportunity. “The club regrets that outcome, given we are directly affected by the matters under consideration and hold relevant factual evidence as to the events in question and their competitive impact,” a statement from the Teesside club read. “The conduct at issue, namely the observation and recording of our train ing session ahead of a fixture of such significance, goes to the heart of sport ing integrity and fair competition. “In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanc tion which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship playoff final.” Boro urged the EFL to pursue a sporting sanction against Southampton at the hearing “in order to protect the integrity of the game, safeguard all member clubs, and deter any attempt in the future to obtain an unfair and unlaw ful advantage in pursuit of promotion to the Premier League”. The statement concluded: “The club reserves all its legal rights.” It is under stood Boro have enlisted the services of top sports lawyer Nick De Marco in this case. The “Spygate” proceedings could force a delay to the playoff final on May 23. The initial hearing will take place on or before Tuesday, but an appeal may also need to be heard before next Saturday, creating a week of uncertainty for fans, players and staff of Southampton, their final opponents Hull and Middlesbrough. The EFL said on Thursday it had “a number of contingency plans” in place depending on the outcome of the legal proceedings. Tickets went on sale to Southampton and Hull fans on Friday morning. – The Independent

to look and do something else. The good thing is that we have experienced that all over the pitch this season.” Arsenal are just two games away from winning their first League title since 2004. Victory against Burnley on Tuesday (3am Malaysian time) would leave Manchester City needing to win away at Bournemouth to take the champi onship battle to the final day.

ter. We’re going to try to get him available as quickly 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 pos sibly can to help the team in any capacity. “But we need to look at alterna tives. The two players that we have there (at right-back) are not available at the moment. We need

“There is a chance,” said Arteta when asked if Timber will be available again this season. “But how big that chance is, I cannot tell you. I’m being completely honest. “He’s going to try to do every thing he can to convert that chance as high as possible in the shortest possible period. And that’s the challenge ahead. “He’s progressed a little bit in the last few days. He’s feeling bet

Man City manager Pep Guardiola. – REUTERSPIC

Pep keeps ‘em guessing over his future at City

Again responding with humour, he declined to com ment on whether the develop ments had any implications for his own future. “I extended the contracts of all of them for three more years,” he said sarcastically. Asked if this was really the case, he said: “No.” He later said he would have no problem if the coaches wanted to move on. “As with the players, if you’re not happy you just have to knock on the sporting director’s door and get an agreement with another club. What sense is there to stay? “It’s the same with the back room staff. You have to follow your dreams. You cannot stay in your comfort zone. You have to go for it – life is too short.” – The Independent

“Yes, of course, 19 titles in 10 years is not bad! “They know, they don’t need to wait (for) when I’m leaving, they know I’ve been fun. I’ve been f****** fun! So, 19 titles – fighting for the 20 in 10 years – it’s not bad, honestly.” He was then asked if Saturday would be his Wembley swansong with City. After it was indicated this would be the final question of the press conference, he responded in a jokey tone. He said: “No way! I have one more year (on my) contract.” He then headed sharply for the exit. Earlier in the meeting, Guardiola had been asked about reports that two of his backroom staff in Lorenzo Buenaventura and Xabi Mancisidor were set to leave.

PEP GUARDIOLA says he has been “f****** fun” as he continues to keep people guessing over his future. The Manchester City man ager was in a playful mood in a press conference ahead of yes terday’s FA Cup final. There has been speculation all season that Guardiola could stand down as City manager this year after a decade in charge in which he has so far won 19 trophies. The Spaniard has repeatedly pointed out he still has another year remaining on his contract, but he has also stopped short of explicitly committing himself beyond this season. Asked at a press conference on Friday if he had achieved greatness in his time at City, Guardiola flexed his biceps before answering with a smile: