Mikel Arteta has confirmed that both Jurrien Timber and Ben White could be available for Arsenal's Premier League fixture against Southampton on Saturday.

Timber was substituted at half-time during Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. However, Arteta clarified after the match that the substitution was merely precautionary. The Dutch defender, who recently returned from a significant ACL injury sustained in May, has been carefully managed by Arsenal to prevent further strain. As part of this approach, Timber has also been omitted from the Netherlands' squad for the upcoming international break.

Ben White, meanwhile, has been sidelined for Arsenal’s last three fixtures due to a groin injury. The versatile defender has been undergoing treatment in the hopes of making a return to action.

Speaking to the press on Friday, Arteta provided an update on the availability of both players.

“We had to adjust training to accommodate the players' workloads, and we've done the same today," Arteta said. "We’ll make a decision this afternoon on whether to involve them. They’re both very close to returning, as is Takehiro Tomiyasu, which is good news for us.”

Arteta also gave updates on two more key players, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Ødegaard, who have been struggling with injuries this season. Zinchenko has played just 79 minutes in the Premier League due to a recurring calf injury, while Ødegaard has missed Arsenal’s last six matches with an ankle ligament problem.

“Oleksandr is progressing very well,” Arteta said. “If everything goes according to plan, he should be available after the international break.”

The prognosis for Ødegaard is less certain. “It’s difficult to give a clear timeline for Martin,” Arteta admitted. “He’s working extremely hard and is feeling good, but given the extent of the injury, we’ll have to wait and see how he continues to progress.”

With a crucial Premier League fixture looming, Arsenal fans will be hopeful that Timber, White, and Tomiyasu can make their returns to the squad in time for the match against Southampton. Zinchenko and Ødegaard, however, may require more patience as they recover from their respective injuries.

Arteta’s Arsenal squad has been navigating a challenging run of fixtures both domestically and in Europe, and the return of key defensive players could provide a timely boost as they aim to maintain their strong position in the league table.