Arteta hopeful defenders will be available for Brighton clash

Mikel Arteta says he is “very optimistic” that Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie will all be available for Arsenal’s game against Brighton.

The Gunners boss provided an encouraging fitness update on the defensive quartet, although they still have one final training session to come before Arteta makes a decision on his squad.

“Everyone is fine,” Arteta said. “We still have another training session this afternoon, but I’m very optimistic about all of them.

“They all want to be involved, and we’ll use the final session to make sure they’re ready.”