Arteta confirms Timber close to return as Arsenal chase perfect start at Sunderland

Jurrien Timber is on the verge of ending a months-long absence for Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta confirming the right back has been training with the squad ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

Timber has not played for the Gunners since the Champions League final last season but travelled with the squad for Wednesday’s 1-0 win at Napoli. Arteta stopped short of guaranteeing his availability, saying: “Let’s see. We have another training session today. He’s been training with us for a few days. Let’s see.”

The Netherlands international’s return would strengthen a defence that has kept clean sheets in all three of Arsenal’s Premier League fixtures so far. Ben White was reported to be fine after being substituted against Napoli, while Cristhian Mosquera — who missed the wins over Chelsea and Napoli with a knock — remains a doubt. Arteta said Mosquera is doing “really well” but suggested he may not be ready this weekend, leaving William Saliba as the only confirmed absentee.

Arsenal arrive at Sunderland as defending champions with a perfect record, having beaten all three opponents to open their title defence, including a 2-1 victory over Chelsea. However, Arteta was quick to flag the dangers of a ground where his side dropped points last November, drawing 2-2 after Brian Brobbey equalised in injury time to end an 11-match winning run.

“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.”

A fourth consecutive win would keep Arsenal at the top of the early Premier League standings and underline their credentials as the team to beat in the title race.