Arteta provides injury updates on Arsenal trio ahead of Sunderland game

Mikel Arteta has provided an encouraging injury update on Jurrien Timber and Christhian Mosquera, with both defenders closing in on returns for Arsenal.

Timber has been back training with the squad and could be available for Arsenal’s clash with Sunderland on Saturday, though Arteta says a final decision will be made after another training session.

“Let’s see, we have another training session,” Arteta said. “He’s been doing really well, he’s been training with us now for a few days and he looks in good shape.”

Mosquera is also nearing a return after suffering a muscular problem during Arsenal’s win over Aston Villa at the end of last month.

“He’s been really well,” Arteta said. “Let’s see if he can get this game or the next one, it will be around that time, I think.”

There was also positive news on Ben White, with Arteta confirming the defender has no fitness concerns.

“He’s fine,” the Arsenal boss said. “Excellent, he’s excellent.”