Timber Set for Arsenal Return Ahead of Sunderland Clash

Mikel Arteta is on the verge of welcoming Jurrien Timber back into his Arsenal squad, with the defender close to a long-awaited return ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sunderland.

Timber has not played for the Gunners since the Champions League final last season, but the 23-year-old travelled with the team for the 1-0 win at Napoli in midweek and has stepped up his work in training over the past few days.

The right back has been involved with the first-team group throughout the week and is in contention to be included for the Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light on Saturday evening, offering a timely boost to the defending champions.

“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.”

While Timber edges closer, Arsenal are still waiting on Cristhian Mosquera. The defender missed the victories over Chelsea and Napoli after picking up a knock and, although Arteta said he is doing “really well”, there is a real possibility he will sit out the weekend again.

The picture elsewhere is brighter. Ben White is understood to be fine after being substituted in Italy, leaving William Saliba and potentially Mosquera as the only likely absentees for the leaders as they look to extend their perfect start.

Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea last time out in the league made it three wins from three in their title defence, a sharp statement that they intend to set the pace again.

But Sunderland is a scar that has not quite healed.

On their last visit to the Stadium of Light, Arsenal saw an 11-match winning run snapped in dramatic fashion. They came from behind to lead, only for Brian Brobbey to crash in an injury-time equaliser and seal a 2-2 draw last November.

That late blow has stayed with Arteta.

“Last year we dropped points there and in the last minute,” he 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 as champions, unbeaten, and armed with the prospect of Timber’s return. Sunderland arrive knowing they have already shown they can knock them off stride.

Now the question is simple: can Arsenal turn last season’s warning into this season’s statement?