Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Jurrien Timber is close to making his return for Arsenal.
The right back has not featured for the Gunners since the Champions League final last season but travelled with Arteta’s squad for the 1-0 win at Napoli in midweek.
The Netherlands international has continued to train with Arteta’s squad this week and could be available to face Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
Arteta also said that Cristhian Mosquera is doing “really well” after missing Arsenal’s wins over Chelsea and Napoli due to a knock, but suggested he could also miss out this weekend.
The return of Timber, though, would be a boost for the defending champions as they did to continue their winning start to the season at Sunderland.
Ben White was reported to be fine after he was substituted in the win in Italy, leaving William Saliba and potentially Mosquera as Arsenal’s only absentees.
“Let’s see,” Arteta said on Timber. “We have another training session today. He’s been training with us for a few days. Let’s see.”
Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea means the Gunners have won all three of their games to start their title defence.
They dropped points on their last visit to the Stadium of Light, though, as Sunderland ended their 11-match winning run with a 2-2 draw last November.
Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after Arsenal had came from behind to lead, and Arteta warned that Arsenal will have to be careful.
“Last year we dropped points there and in the last minute,” he said. “We experienced and learned a lot from that game.
“Tomorrow we will discuss many things we want to be aware of and where we want to take the game and how to nullify their strengths.”
