Saliba out, White and Timber doubts as Arsenal head to injury-hit Brighton

William Saliba will miss Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Brighton this weekend as the France defender continues his recovery from a back injury sustained during the World Cup, with Mikel Arteta unable to give a firm return date for his first-choice centre-back.

Arteta confirmed earlier this month that Saliba’s progression has been “really positive” but stressed that the healing process requires patience. “We don’t really know the amount of weeks Wilo is going to be out because it’s about a healing process and everything is a bit different — we know we have to respect certain timings,” the Arsenal manager said.

Ben White missed Arsenal’s midweek Carabao Cup win over Ipswich Town but Arteta struck an optimistic note about the right-back’s availability. “Ben is all good, we have another training session this afternoon, so very positive about everybody,” he said on Friday. Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie were also absent at Portman Road, and Arteta indicated both were pushing to be involved, saying the squad had “another session to try to make sure they are fit.” Cristhian Mosquera is a further doubt after missing the Ipswich fixture.

Despite the injury concerns, Arsenal arrive at the Amex Stadium as one of only two Premier League sides yet to drop a point this season, alongside Manchester City.

Brighton are navigating an even longer casualty list. Fabian Hurzeler will be without summer signing Femi Azeez, who is sidelined with a thigh problem, as well as Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma, Jack Hinshelwood, Mats Wieffer, Stefanos Tzimas, Michael Svoboda, Zadok Yohanna, and Evan Ferguson.

There is some positive news for the hosts, however. Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic is expected to be fit, with Hurzeler saying: “He’s young. He will recover fast and then he definitely will be an option for tomorrow.” Jaouen Hadjam could also come into contention for the Seagulls.