Arsenal have received a triple fitness boost before Saturday night’s Premier League trip to Sunderland.
Ben White is fit despite appearing to struggle towards the end of Wednesday’s 1-0 Champions League win over Napoli.
Jurriën Timber and Cristhian Mosquera are also both pushing to return at the Stadium of Light, while William Saliba remains unavailable with his back injury.
That leaves Mikel Arteta with decisions to make across his defence as Arsenal look to maintain their perfect Premier League start.
Ben White fit for Sunderland vs Arsenal
There were concerns over White after the closing stages in Naples.
The defender was replaced in the 82nd minute before appearing to walk gingerly after full-time.
Arteta has now confirmed there is no fresh injury setback, leaving White available to face Sunderland.
That is particularly important because Arsenal are still managing injuries elsewhere in defence.
White has carried a significant workload since returning from the knee problem that ended his 2025/26 season early.
His availability gives Arteta the option to avoid rushing Timber back into the starting XI.
Arsenal secured a 1-0 win over Napoli on Wednesday, with Martin Ødegaard scoring the winner.
Jurriën Timber pushing to return against Sunderland
Timber is getting closer.
The Netherlands international has been back training with Arsenal after recovering from a groin issue and travelled to Italy for the Champions League opener.
However, he was left out of the matchday squad against Napoli.
ReadArsenal covered Timber’s omission from the Arsenal squad in Naples after he made the journey with Arteta’s group.
Current injury information lists Timber as being assessed ahead of Sunderland, with Saturday identified as a potential return date.
Arteta must now decide whether to include him at the Stadium of Light or continue building his fitness towards Tuesday’s Carabao Cup trip to Ipswich.
With White available, Arsenal have little need to take an unnecessary risk.
Cristhian Mosquera could make Arsenal return
Mosquera is also in contention.
The centre-back has been absent since being withdrawn during Arsenal’s victory at Aston Villa after feeling a muscular problem.
Arteta initially described the substitution as precautionary before later confirming Mosquera had suffered a minor muscular issue.
The problem is not believed to be serious.
Mosquera could return against Sunderland, although he remains subject to a late assessment.
Ezri Konsa has deputised successfully during his absence.
That gives Arteta another reason to be cautious if Mosquera is not considered completely ready.
William Saliba remains unavailable
Saliba is the one Arsenal defender definitely expected to miss the Sunderland game.
The France international is continuing his rehabilitation from a lower-back problem.
Arteta has previously explained that Arsenal cannot put an exact timescale on his comeback because his return depends on how the injury responds as the club gradually increases his workload.
The progression has been positive, but Saliba remains ruled out for now.
Konsa and Gabriel therefore remain the leading candidates to start at centre-back on Saturday night.
Arsenal injury list vs Sunderland
Ben White: Fit
Jurriën Timber: Doubt / late assessment
Cristhian Mosquera: Doubt / late assessment
William Saliba: Out
The latest picture means Arsenal could travel with only one confirmed defensive absentee.
Arteta’s biggest decision may therefore concern whether Timber or Mosquera is ready to return to the matchday squad rather than whether he needs to reshape his defence entirely.
Supporters can find the complete Sunderland vs Arsenal TV channel, live stream and kick-off details ahead of Saturday’s 8pm BST start.
Sunderland also have absences of their own, with Régis Le Bris confirming Romaine Mundle and Habib Diarra will miss the game.
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