Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will wait until the last possible moment to determine the availability of three defenders as his side prepare to face Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, in what will be their final fixture before the international break.
The Gunners head to the south coast aiming to extend their unbeaten start to the season to seven consecutive victories, but Arteta's preparations have been complicated by fitness concerns surrounding Ben White, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera, all of whom are dealing with minor knocks.
White's issue stems from last weekend's encounter with Sunderland, when he was withdrawn at the interval after picking up a groin problem. With Jurrien Timber pushing for a recall and expected to be fit, Arsenal may choose not to rush White back into contention given the nature of the injury.
Meanwhile, Hincapie missed the recent fixture against Ipswich, though Arteta indicated this was more precautionary than serious, attributing his absence to fatigue rather than a specific injury. Mosquera rounds out the trio of defenders whose participation remains uncertain heading into the weekend.
All three will undergo further evaluation following Friday's training session before Arteta finalizes his squad selection for the trip to Brighton. Speaking to reporters at his pre-match press conference, the Arsenal boss struck an optimistic tone regarding the situation.
"We have another training session this afternoon. Really positive about everybody," Arteta said. "They're all willing to be part of it, we have another session to try to make sure that they are fit."
The timing of these fitness concerns is notable, arriving just before the international break, which could offer Arsenal's medical staff additional time to manage any lingering issues without the pressure of an immediate follow-up fixture. However, for Saturday's match itself, Arteta will need to make judgment calls on whether to risk any of the three or opt for a more conservative approach to his backline.
Arsenal's defensive depth will be tested regardless of the final decisions made, as facing Brighton away from home presents its own set of challenges. The Seagulls have historically proven to be tricky opponents at the Amex, and Arteta will be keen to ensure his side maintains its impressive form without compromising the long-term fitness of key personnel.
Should White be deemed unfit or if Arteta decides caution is the better path, Timber's expected return to full fitness provides a ready-made alternative in defense. The versatility within Arsenal's backline options gives the manager some flexibility, even as he navigates these late fitness calls.
The outcome of Friday's assessments will ultimately shape Arsenal's starting lineup and substitute options for what promises to be a challenging fixture against a Brighton side always capable of causing problems for top-tier opposition. Arteta's measured comments suggest a squad in generally good health, with the club hopeful that all three defenders in question will be available in some capacity, whether starting or as substitutes, as they look to maintain their perfect record heading into the international break.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.