Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal injury boost in four-player update before Brighton clash
Mikel Arteta has issued an Arsenal injury update ahead of the trip to Brighton
Mikel Arteta has shared optimism that Arsenal could welcome back a number of injured stars for the trip to Brighton.
The contest at the Amex is the Gunners' last fixture before the international break and the Premier League champions aim to make it eight wins from eight in all competitions.
Ben White was forced off at half-time at Sunderland last weekend but Arteta indicated all is well with his right-back, stating when quizzed for an update: "All good. We have another training session this afternoon, so very positive about everybody."
There was also promising news on three others defenders; Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie.
Arteta said when asked whether any of those could be available to face the Seagulls: “Everyone is fine. 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.”
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Timber was rested on Tuesday night as Arsenal ran out 4-2 winners at Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup third-round.
The Dutchman played the second half last week at Sunderland so his workload was merely being managed following his recent return to fitness on the back of a minor groin procedure in the summer.
Furthermore, Mosquera has been absent since feeling tightness in his hamstring in the 1-0 win at Aston Villa on August 31.
Since he's been sidelined, Ezri Konsa has partnered Gabriel Magalhaes in the Premier League and Champions League and the England international has looked right at home at the heart of Arsenal's defence.
Meanwhile, Hincapie has been short of minutes and missed the midweek triumph at Portman Road where he likely would have started, had he been fit.
Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie both missed Arsenal's win at Ipswich Town in the League Cup(Image: (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
Arteta also discussed Arsenal's frustrations with Pro Ref following the decision to award Sunderland a penalty in last Saturday's 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light.
The Spaniard was adamant that Dan Ballard actually pulled Konsa to the ground and later labelled John Brooks' decision to point to the spot as "unacceptable."
He said on Friday morning: "We discuss many topics and very important all of them. To talk to give their opinions, and everyone's duty to try and improve the game."
Arteta then added when pushed on whether the club had heard from Pro Ref: "It is a conversation that will remain private."
He was also asked whether Arsenal received a direct apology like Manchester United did soon after the Manchester derby defeat to Man City: "It is not about an apology. It is about agreeing that the decision should be different or not."
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