Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a major injury boost ahead of the weekend, with three defenders edging closer to full fitness.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta addressed concerns that had been building around the fitness of Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, and Jurrien Timber.
Ben White sparked worry among Arsenal supporters after he was seen limping during the closing stages of Arsenal’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Napoli on Wednesday night.
White was withdrawn from the action in the 82nd minute, replaced by Martin Zubimendi, and looked to be in visible discomfort as he left the pitch.
However, Arteta moved quickly to calm fears, confirming to reporters that the England international is “fine” and available to face Sunderland this weekend.
Cristhian Mosquera was not part of the squad that travelled to Italy, having picked up a thigh injury during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa on August 31st.
Arteta revealed that Mosquera is “doing really well” and will be assessed to determine whether he can feature against Sunderland on Saturday or if his return will come in the League Cup.
Timber has also been absent from Arsenal’s early competitive action, missing out on the club’s opening Champions League fixture of the season.
Arteta offered an encouraging update on the Dutch defender, saying: “Let’s see, we have another training session. He’s been doing really well, he’s been training with us now for a few days and he looks in good shape.”
Timber’s return will provide Arteta with another high-quality option at right-back, which should in turn allow White to be managed more carefully across a demanding fixture schedule.
Mosquera, meanwhile, will add depth to the centre of defence, though he faces a significant challenge dislodging Ezri Konsa, who has made a superb start to his Arsenal career following his summer move from Aston Villa.
Arsenal enter the weekend in fine form, sitting level on points with Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League having claimed maximum points from their opening three matches.