Arsenal could receive a significant injury boost ahead of their Premier League trip to Sunderland, with Jurrien Timber closing in on his long-awaited return.
Mikel Arteta's side have made a perfect start to the season, winning all five matches across competitions, but defensive injuries continue to test the reigning champions.
Timber and Cristhian Mosquera could both be available again shortly, while William Saliba's recovery from a back injury remains a longer-term concern.
Timber nearing Arsenal comeback
Timber has made only one Arsenal appearance since suffering a groin injury against Everton in March.
The Dutch defender briefly returned as a substitute in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain but subsequently suffered another setback and missed the World Cup.
There are now encouraging signs.
Timber has spent several weeks back on the training pitch and travelled with Arsenal for Wednesday's 1-0 Champions League victory over Napoli, although he was not included in the matchday squad.
"Jurrien is in really good condition at the moment," Arteta said recently. "He's been a few weeks on the pitch and has been training with us, so he's in a really good place."
Saturday's trip to Sunderland could therefore come into consideration, although Arsenal may decide that Tuesday's Carabao Cup meeting with Ipswich offers a safer opportunity for his comeback.
Saliba recovery remains difficult to predict
William Saliba's situation is less straightforward.
The France international aggravated an existing back problem during his country's run to the World Cup semi-finals and has yet to feature for Arsenal this season.
Saliba avoided surgery, but Arsenal have already indicated that he will be unavailable for an "extended period".
Arteta says his recent progress has been positive but admits Arsenal cannot yet establish a firm timetable.
"We don't really know the amount of weeks Wilo is going to be out because it's about a healing process," he explained.
Arsenal must now see how Saliba's back responds once his rehabilitation progresses to increased physical loading.
A return in November or December has been suggested, but there is currently no confirmed date.
Mosquera could return against Sunderland
Cristhian Mosquera could provide a more immediate reinforcement.
The summer signing initially deputised for Saliba alongside Gabriel before suffering a muscular injury against Aston Villa.
That problem ruled him out against Chelsea and Napoli, with new arrival Ezri Konsa stepping into the defence.
Arteta has indicated that Mosquera's injury is not considered serious, meaning the defender could be assessed for Saturday's Sunderland fixture.
If that comes too soon, the Carabao Cup clash with Ipswich on September 15 provides another possible return date.
Key Points
- Jurrien Timber is back in full training and could return against Sunderland or Ipswich.
- William Saliba remains out with a back injury, with Arsenal unable to provide a firm return date.
- Saliba's rehabilitation is progressing positively, but a comeback may not arrive until November or December.
- Cristhian Mosquera's muscular problem is not considered serious and he could return within the next two matches.
- Arsenal's defensive options could improve considerably before the upcoming international break.
What's Next?
Arteta will assess Timber and Mosquera before Arsenal travel to Sunderland, but the club have little reason to take unnecessary risks with either defender.
The Ipswich cup tie could instead provide an ideal opportunity to reintroduce Timber after his lengthy absence. Saliba will require considerably more patience, with Arsenal focusing on how his back responds to increasing workloads before setting a return date.
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