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 Arsenal boast 3rd most valuable squad in Champions League in 2024

The upcoming quarter-finals of the Champions League come with an unexpected twist. 

Forget the times when financial dominance was the most crucial factor - this year, parity rules supreme. Although Real Madrid and Manchester City remain as powerhouses, Arsenal's financial strength and young talents like Bukayo Saka position them for a competitive run.

The quarterfinals of the Champions League are approaching, and they promise to be an interesting blend of financial strength and on-field abilities. Although Real Madrid and Manchester City are dominant in some financial measures, this year's competition is more balanced when compared to previous seasons. According to an analysis by Football Benchmark, eight out of the 13 teams with the highest operating income have made it to the quarter-finals. This shift highlights the emergence of several clubs, creating a more evenly-matched tournament. Notably, all major European leagues, except Serie A, are represented at this stage of the Champions League. For Arsenal fans, the report provides encouraging news. The Gunners have the third most valuable squad among the quarter-finalists, with a market valuation of €1,189 million. This puts them ahead of Bayern Munich, their upcoming opponents, who are valued at €1,012 million. Furthermore, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka ranks third in the "Most Valuable Player" category with a valuation of €136 million.

Latest Arsenal Injury Updates: Who’s Out and Expected Return Dates

Arsenal fans face an anxious wait as Bukayo Saka undergoes a late fitness test to determine his availability for the crucial Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.

Arsenal's young star Bukayo Saka was missing from the squad that defeated Luton Town 2-0 on Wednesday. Manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Saka's participation in the next match will depend on his performance in Friday's training session.

Arteta has also addressed concerns about Saka potentially burning out in the final stretch of the season, reassuring fans about the young winger's ability to bounce back. He emphasized Saka's strength, determination, and desire to be on the pitch, saying that he is positive about Saka's performance and that he will be decisive in the upcoming matches.

With Arsenal on a 10-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League, a win against Brighton is crucial to maintain their title charge, especially as Liverpool and Manchester City both picked up maximum points this week.

Real Madrid and Manchester City, both considered financial powerhouses, will face each other in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Despite having strong financial positions and leading in several financial metrics such as squad value and operating income, only one team can go through to the semi-finals.

Arsenal, another financially stable team, will be facing Bayern Munich. Although Arsenal has individual talent like Saka, Bayern's overall squad depth and experience in the Champions League should not be underestimated. However, form will play a crucial role.

Arsenal has been unbeaten in 2024, winning 10 out of their 11 games. In contrast, Bayern lost 3-2 to FC Heidenheim after blowing a 2-0 lead, and lost 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund last week. They also have a few injury concerns ahead of their trip to London.

While Arsenal may not be the biggest spenders compared to teams like City and Real Madrid, their financial strength and talented young squad position them well for a competitive showing in Europe's most prestigious club competition. The coming weeks will reveal whether this can translate into Champions League glory.

Jurrien Timber is back in first-team training with Arsenal and closing in on a return to full training, but when will he play again?

Simon Collings reports for the Evening Standard that although Jurrien Timber didn't participate in the entirety of Arsenal's first-team session at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, he did join the main group after some initial individual work. 

According to Collings, Timber is gradually stepping up his recovery from injury and is expected to transition into full training in the coming days.

Mokbel suggests that Timber's inclusion on Wednesday indicates that the defender is nearing availability for action. However, according to Collings, Timber is still some way off from full fitness, and his current aim is to contribute during the upcoming matches.

With the Chelsea game postponed, Arsenal faces three more matches before the international break: Sheffield United on Monday, Brentford on Saturday, and FC Porto on the following Tuesday (March 12th). Considering the Porto game is less than two weeks away and Timber is not yet fully involved in training, it seems unlikely that he will return to playing before the international break.

After their upcoming matches against Sheffield United, Brentford, and FC Porto. Arsenal will have a significant gap in their schedule until March 31st, when they are set to face Manchester City away from home. This extended break provides both a challenge and an opportunity for players like Jurrien Timber, who are working their way back to full fitness.

The clash with Manchester City poses a formidable challenge for Timber's potential return to action. Given the intensity and quality of opposition, it may be deemed too risky to throw him into such a high-stakes encounter as his first game back. Therefore, it seems more realistic to target a later fixture for his return.

One such match on the horizon is against Luton Town at the Emirates Stadium, just over a month from now. This game presents a more feasible opportunity for Timber to make his comeback. Luton Town, though formidable in their own right, may offer a slightly less demanding environment for Timber to regain match sharpness and confidence.

The coming days will be crucial in assessing Timber's progress and readiness for a return to competitive action. Arsenal's medical and coaching staff will closely monitor his rehabilitation and integration into full training sessions. It's imperative to strike the right balance between pushing Timber to regain fitness while also ensuring he doesn't risk setbacks or re-injury by returning too soon.

The training ground sessions will be vital for Timber to regain his rhythm, sharpness, and match fitness. These sessions provide an opportunity for him to test his body's response to increased intensity and physical demands. Gradually increasing his involvement in team drills and tactical preparations will be key in preparing him for match scenarios.

Additionally, Timber will likely undergo individualized conditioning and strengthening programs to address any lingering issues from his injury and ensure his body is robust enough to cope with the demands of top-flight football. Building up his physical resilience will be crucial in reducing the risk of future injuries and maximizing his performance on the pitch.

The coaching staff will also assess Timber's tactical understanding and familiarity with Arsenal's style of play during training sessions. Integrating him back into the team structure and ensuring he's on the same wavelength as his teammates will be essential for his seamless reintegration into the squad. While there is anticipation surrounding Timber's potential return, caution should also be exercised. Rushing him back prematurely could jeopardize his long-term fitness and effectiveness. Patience is key in the rehabilitation process, and ensuring Timber is fully ready physically, mentally, and tactically before reintroducing him to competitive action is paramount.

In conclusion, while the Manchester City clash may come too soon for Jurrien Timber's return, the subsequent match against Luton Town presents a more realistic target. The upcoming days will be critical in monitoring his progress, and careful management of his rehabilitation and training will be necessary to ensure a successful comeback. Patience, caution, and a focus on long-term fitness will be essential in maximizing Timber's impact for Arsenal upon his return.