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Double injury boost for Arsenal pre-Sunderland clash

Mikel Arteta has provided a positive update on Arsenal’s injury situation ahead of Saturday’s game against Sunderland, with multiple players on the verge of comebacks.

Head coach of Arsenal FC Mikel Arteta salutes his fans after the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between SSC Napoli and Arsenal FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 09, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Sunderland, Mikel Arteta had positive updates to give to the media on Friday morning.

The Arsenal boss suggested the team have no new issues from Naples, confirming that Ben White is “fine” despite some limping after the game.

Arteta also had good news on Cristhian Mosquera, suggesting the centre-back should be back in the next couple of games.

“He’s doing really well,” Arteta said. “Let’s see if he can get this game or the next one.”

Cristhian Mosquera and Christos Tzolis of Arsenal acknowledge the fans after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

As well as Mosquera, it seems Jurrien Timber is on the verge of a comeback. The right-back was involved in first-team training this week, and he travelled with the squad to face Napoli, but he wasn’t named on the bench.

When asked whether Timber might make the squad this time around, Arteta responded: “Let’s see, we have another training session. He looks in good shape.”

If Arsenal don’t suffer any new setbacks and Mosquera and Timber return to full fitness in the next couple of games, that would leave William Saliba as the only injury absentee from the squad.

William Saliba #17 of France walks off the pitch with medical staff after sustaining an injury during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

On the other side of things, Sunderland are also in a pretty good situation with injuries. Romaine Mundle and Habib Diarra are both definitely out, with no chance that either of them can face Arsenal, but they’re seemingly the only two who aren’t available.

Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, embraces Granit Xhaka of Sunderland following the Premier League match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on February 07, 2026
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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