Jurrien Timber has "hope" that he will return from injury in time for Arsenal's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The defender has been out for two months after picking up a groin injury that ruled him out of the Carabao Cup final in March.
Timber's return to fitness has proved to be more complicated than expected, after Mikel Arteta initially indicated that he hoped he would be only for "a matter of days".
It is hoped that Timber will be back in training in the next few days, but he is not expected to be involved in the final Premier League match of the season against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
“Well, it's been a bit slower than expected, but I've worked really hard to come back," Timber said. "So hopefully, let's see.”
Asked if there was a chance he could be back to play in Budapest a week on Saturday, Timber added: "Hopefully, yes. There's hope, but like I said, we'll see.
“I'm working really hard, I'm trying really hard, and obviously playing in the Champions League final is a dream. So I will give everything, and with the World Cup as well, but obviously, first the Champions League final. It's going to be amazing anyway.”
Timber was with his Arsenal team-mates at the training ground on Tuesday night to watch Manchester City draw with Bournemouth, confirming the Gunners as champions.
That ended the 22-year wait for a Premier League title and finally got Arsenal over the line after three seasons of finishing second.
Arteta admitted even he at times began to doubt whether he would lead the Gunners to major silverware, but Timber hailed the job his manager has done.
"I think he's a perfect example of building a club towards where he is now," Timber said.
"He makes every player better. I think if you look at all the players in our team, he makes everyone better. He's built one of the best teams in the world.
"I can say that now because we're in the Premier League and we're in the Champions League final.
"I think he's one of the best managers there is. To me personally, he's been so good. He's always given me so much confidence and made me a lot better as well.
"So I'm thankful and I'm excited for what's ahead as well.”
