Jurrien Timber and Ben White injury update ahead of Arsenal vs Southampton

Mikel Arteta insists both Jurrien Timber and Ben White are in contention to play in Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Southampton on Saturday.

Timber was replaced at half time in Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, although Arteta insisted after the game that the decision was precautionary.

The Dutch defender has also been left out of the Netherlands’ squad for the upcoming international break with Arsenal keen to manage his minutes after returning from an ACL injury in May.

White, meanwhile, has missed Arsenal’s last three games due to a groin injury.

When asked if Timber and White will be available to feature against Southampton, Arteta said on Friday: ‘We had to modify training for our players, we’ve done the same today because of the load they had.

‘It’s a decision to make this afternoon whether to involve them, yes or no.

‘Yeah, they are close. [Takehiro] Tomiyasu as well is close to being involved, so good news.’

Arteta also provided updates for both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard, who

Zinchenko has played just 79 minutes in the Premier League this season due to a calf injury, while Odegaard has missed Arsenal’s last six matches due to ankle ligament damage.

‘Oleks probably after the international break, if everything goes well, he’s progressing very well,’ Arteta said.

‘Martin, very difficult, because I expected him still with the boot and a lot of things.

‘He’s working so hard and he’s feeling good and he’s pushing it. It’s difficult to give a timeline.’

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