Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday in Budapest as the Gunners aim to lift their first European title.
The North London side ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title last week and will aim to make history once more this weekend in a clash against the current European champions.
Ahead of the game, Noni Madueke, Ben White, Mikel Merino are all unlikely to feature alongside Timber who has missed the last two-and-a-half months with a groin injury.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Merson believes he should be handed a chance by Arteta, even if he is not ready to play 90 minutes.
“I think Jurrien Timber has to play. There’s talk that he will be fit.
“He’s got to play, even if he’s half-fit I would take a chance on him because he has to play in that game.”
On Arsenal’s chances against PSG: “I think they’ve got a chance, especially with the way they do set-plays. Anytime they get a set-piece will be like a penalty because PSG are a small team, they’re a good team but they’re a small team.
“I think PSG will struggle with that. You’re talking about one of the best forward lines against one of the best defences.”
Timber is now close to agreeing a contract extension with Arsenal and will likely sign fresh terms ahead of the new campaign. Whether he will feature in the final is up to Arteta as rushing him back could cause further injury.