Mikel Arteta provides Arsenal injury update on Jurrien Timber and Ben White ahead of Southampton

The Gunners boss has given the latest on the fitness of his squad ahead of their Premier League clash with Southampton this weekend

Mikel Arteta has provided the latest on the fitness of Jurrien Timber ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Southampton.

The Dutch international was forced off with an injury at half time during Tuesday’s 2-0 win over PSG. "He was unbelievable in the first half, but he felt something muscular and he wasn’t certain,” Arteta said of his defender after the game.

"So I didn’t want to take any risks. He’s been out for a year and he’s played a lot of minutes, probably more minutes than we would have wanted in the past few weeks and we have to manage him."

Timber has also been left out of the Dutch squad for the coming international break. This has made him a major doubt for Saturday’s clash with Southampton.

Arsenal are facing something of a crisis at right back if Timber is unavailable. Riccardo Calafiori was forced to fill in the for the second half against PSG despite being a natural left sider.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta has Jurrien Timber alternative available again as Arsenal sweat on star's fitness

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Beyond him the Gunners are also sweating on the fitness of Ben White who has not trained this week as he continues to recover from a groin problem. During Friday's pre-match press conference, Arteta provided the latest on the pair.

“We had to modify training for a lot of players.” the Spaniard said. “It was the same today because of the load that they had. There will be a decision to make this afternoon whether to involve them yes or no. They are close. It's good news"

Takehiro Tomiyasu is back in training. The Japan international has not played this season though, and Arsenal are keen not to rush him back, although Arteta stated that he is also close.

Elsewhere Oleksandr Zinchenko will be absent although Arteta seemed optimistic about him being able to return soon. “Alex probably after the international break if everything goes well," the Spaniard said. He’s progressing really well"

Martin Odegaard meanwhile is likely to be out a little longer. “Martin is very difficult," Arteta said. "I expected still with the boot and a lot of things but he’s working so hard and he’s feeling good and he’s pushing it. So difficult to give a timeline."

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