Arsenal's Jurrien Timber Set for Return Against Sunderland

Mikel Arteta is on the brink of welcoming Jurrien Timber back into his Arsenal side, with the defender closing in on his first appearance of the season.

Timber has not played for the Gunners since the Champions League final last term, but the Dutchman travelled with the squad for the 1-0 win away to Napoli in midweek and has stayed with the group as preparations ramp up for Saturday evening’s Premier League trip to Sunderland.

The 22-year-old has been training fully with the first team this week and is in contention to make the squad at the Stadium of Light.

“Let’s see,” Arteta said when asked about Timber’s chances. “We have another training session today. He’s been training with us for a few days. Let’s see.”

For the champions, his return would land at an ideal time. Arsenal have opened their title defence with three wins from three, including a 2-1 victory over Chelsea last weekend, and are trying to maintain a perfect start while keeping the squad as fresh as possible.

Arteta also delivered an update on Cristhian Mosquera, who has missed the wins over Chelsea and Napoli after taking a knock. The Arsenal manager revealed the defender is progressing well but admitted he may still be sidelined for the Sunderland clash.

Mosquera’s situation, combined with William Saliba’s absence, had threatened to leave Arteta light at the back. Ben White, though, came through the Napoli match unscathed despite being substituted, easing concerns over his fitness and leaving Saliba and possibly Mosquera as the only likely absentees.

The focus now turns to Sunderland, and with it a reminder of how quickly momentum can stall. Arsenal’s last visit to the Stadium of Light ended in frustration, their 11-match winning run snapped by a dramatic 2-2 draw last November.

On that night, Arsenal came from behind to lead, only for Brian Brobbey to strike an injury-time equaliser and rip two points from their grasp.

“Last year we dropped points there and in the last minute,” Arteta said. “We experienced and learned a lot from that game.

“Tomorrow we will discuss many things we want to be aware of and where we want to take the game and how to nullify their strengths.”

Arsenal arrive in the North East as champions, unbeaten, and with the possibility of Timber’s name back on the teamsheet. Sunderland have already shown they can derail an Arsenal surge.

This time, Arteta expects his players to prove they have really learned that lesson.