Arsenal's double-chase ambitions have hit a significant snag, as Mikel Arteta has revealed that key midfielders Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber may not feature again this season. The Gunners boss confirmed the injury blow ahead of a crucial Premier League showdown with West Ham, admitting both players are in a "race against time" to recover from their respective foot and ankle issues.

Merino was spotted back on the training pitch this week, but Arteta made it clear that neither he nor Timber are in contention for Sunday's high-stakes clash at the London Stadium. The manager's cautious tone suggests the club is prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains, especially with a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain looming on May 30. Timber's recovery has proven particularly tricky, with Arteta confessing, "That has probably been the most difficult thing to manage. We didn't expect it to take so long, and he's not fit to play."

Despite the setback, the mood around the Emirates remains buoyant after a stellar week saw Arsenal extend their Premier League lead to five points and book a first Champions League final appearance in two decades, following a hard-fought win over Atletico Madrid. The title race, however, is far from over. Manchester City play first this weekend against Brentford and still hold a game in hand, meaning Arsenal must win their remaining three matches to secure the crown without relying on favors.

West Ham, fighting for survival, pose a real threat, and Arteta is wasting no time refocusing his squad. "I was in a really high emotional state after the Atletico win—you could tell what it means to the supporters and staff," he said. "But straight after that, my concentration and attention were on West Ham. We earned that moment, but now the focus, attention, and detail must all go into Sunday."

For Arsenal fans, every game now feels like a cup final. With or without Merino and Timber, the squad's depth and resilience will be tested as they chase a historic double.