Arsenal team news: Mikel Arteta offers update on White, Mosquera & Timber

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday night when they travel to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland.

Ahead of the game, Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference today and he’s provided a team news and injury update including positive news on three defenders.

Ben White was seen limping during the latter stages of the second half during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Napoli on Wednesday night. The defender was replaced by Martin Zubimendi in the 82nd minute and looked in some discomfort as he made his way from the field.

However, Arteta has eased concerns over White’s condition by telling reporters today that the England international is ‘fine’ and fit to face Sunderland this weekend.

Cristhian Mosquera missed the trip to Italy in midweek as he continues to recover from a thigh injury that he picked up during the 1-0 victory over Aston Villa on August 31st.

Arteta says the Spaniard is ‘doing really well’ and will be assessed to see if he’ll be ready to make his return against Sunderland on Saturday or if he’ll have to wait for the League Cup clash with Ipswich Town next Tuesday.

Timber to return?

Jurrien Timber is yet to feature this season due to a groin injury that’s hampered him since the end of last season. The Dutchman returned to full training earlier this week and made the trip to Naples – although he wasn’t included in the matchday squad.

Arteta says Timber is in ‘good shape’ and will train with the rest of the first team on Friday before a decision is made over his involvement at the Stadium of Light this weekend.

Arteta told Arsenal.com:

“[White] is fine.

“[Cristhian’s] doing really well, let’s see if he can get [back] for this game or the next one.

“[With Jurrien], 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.”

It will be a huge boost for Arsenal to have Timber and Mosquera available again as we’ve been low on options at the back – especially with William Saliba still working his way back from injury.

Timber will give Arteta another top class option at right-back and his return will provide White a much-needed rest. Mosquera on the other hand will provide cover in the middle of defence but he faces a tough task to dislodge Ezri Konsa any time soon as he’s made a superb start to life at Arsenal following his move from Aston Villa in the summer.

Arsenal head into the weekend action sitting level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table having taken a maximum nine points from their opening three games.