Both players are in contention but will undergo late fitness tests before a final decision is made.
Ben White
White has been dealing with a groin issue aggravated during the game against Manchester City. The 26-year-old defender has missed the last three matches, including the 4-2 win over Leicester City and the win against PSG midweek.
Arteta has not ruled White out but confirmed he will face a fitness test before a final decision is made.
Jurrien Timber
Timber, who stepped in for White in recent weeks, picked up a muscular injury during Arsenal‘s Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
He was substituted at half-time after “feeling something muscular,” and Arteta opted not to take any risks.
Timber, like White, is close to fitness but will also undergo a late fitness test.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Takheiro Tomiyasu, who has been recovering from a knee injury sustained in pre-season, is back in training. Arteta said Tomiyasu is progressing well, but he is unlikely to return until after the international break.
“We had to modify training for a lot of players. It was the same today,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference. “There will be a decision to make this afternoon, yes or no. They [Timber and White] are close and Tomiyasu is too.”
Current Arsenal injury list (as of 04/10/24)
- Ben White (Groin, fitness test pre-Southampton)
- Martin Ødegaard (Ankle sprain, expected return November)
- Oleksandr Zinchenko (Calf, return date unknown)
- Takehiro Tomiyasu (Knee, in training, return date unknown)
- Kieran Tierney (Hamstring, expected return October 2024)
- Jurrien Timber (Muscular, fitness test pre-Southampton)