Arsenal are set to face Southampton in the Premier League, but several players are doubtful as they battle injuries ahead of the game.
Arsenal are facing a potential crisis at fullback with a lot of players doubtful for the game. Ben White missed the last two games with injury, and Takehiro Tomiyasu has been absent since the start of pre-season.
Jurrien Timber has started at right-back in their absence, but the Dutchman has been omitted from the Netherlands squad after he came off at half-time against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
If all three are absent against Southampton, Arteta may be forced to move Thomas Partey to right-back, a role in which he was uncomfortable with at the start of last season, but there appears to be positive signs ahead of the game at the Emirates.
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Mikel Arteta reveals positive updates on Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta claimed there was good news on his trio of right-backs, with none yet ruled out of action against Southampton.
“We had to modify training for them [Timber and White], We have a decision to make this afternoon, yes or no. They are close, as is Tomiyasu, so good news,” he stated.
Arteta was also asked about the fitness of Oleksandr Zinchenko, and he claimed that he is also close to a return.
“Alex probably after the international break,” he replied.
Zinchenko started the season before picking up an injury, whilst Tomiyasu is yet to appear in any game since his goal against Everton on the final day of last season.
Arsenal’s increased depth at fullback is necessary amid injuries
Arsenal have a lot of fullbacks within the squad, and when all are available, some may struggle for game time.
However, it is clear that this extra depth is necessary. Timber is recovering from a long-term injury which kept him out of the entirety of last season, whilst Tomiyasu has consistently struggled to stay fit throughout his Arsenal career.
A lot of the fullback options are versatile enough to play across the back line, and all will be necessary at some point over the course of the season given the heavy fixture schedule and the constant injuries within the squad.