Arsenal quartet set to return for Brighton visit, says Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta says Christian Mosquera, Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie are all likely to be available when Arsenal visit Brighton on Saturday.

The match, which kicks off at 17:00, is the fifth round of the Premier League season. Arteta said the four players were fit but would need to complete the club’s final training session before their involvement is confirmed.

“I am optimistic about all four players. Everyone is fine and we still have another training session today, but I am positive about them all,” Arteta said. “They all want to play and we will make sure they are ready in the final session.”

The Arsenal manager was also asked about his criticism of the referee’s decision to award Sunderland a penalty in their previous match.

“I am here to give my opinion, defend the club and do the best for the players,” he said. “To do that, I need to respond in the most direct and fair way. We have space to speak and express our opinions, and everyone has a duty to try to improve the game.”

Arteta declined to discuss the details of his conversation with the referee, adding: “Those conversations will remain private, and they should remain that way.”

He also said his disagreement with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, which followed a match between the clubs last season, had been resolved.

“Everything is over and in the past,” said Arteta. “I have a lot of respect for what he has achieved with Brighton. What they have done is remarkable and I am sure tomorrow’s match will be enjoyable to watch.”

Hurzeler had criticised Arsenal’s approach after that game, accusing their players of wasting time, particularly when taking free-kicks and throw-ins, and of making their own rules during matches.

Arteta also addressed the possibility of extending his contract during the next international break, as happened previously.

“I think we are all completely aligned and we will do it when the right moment comes,” he said. “There is no need to worry. I do not know whether the timing will be the same or different. We have the same ambition and desire, so we will resolve it when we have the opportunity.”

Arteta signed his most recent contract in September 2024 during an international break. The three-year deal runs until the summer of 2027.

Arsenal have won their first three away games of the campaign, beating Napoli 1-0 in Italy in the Champions League, Sunderland 2-0 in the Premier League and Ipswich Town 4-2 in the last 32 of the English League Cup. Brighton represent their fourth away fixture.

“This is one of the challenges of the schedule, but the team has responded extremely well and played with great dominance,” Arteta said. “It does not really matter whether we play at home or away; we want to cause the same problems for the opposition.”

Arteta rejected suggestions that Viktor Gyokeres was lacking confidence. The Sweden striker has played four matches this season, totalling 190 minutes.

“No, especially in the Premier League, he has not played many minutes,” Arteta said. “He played last week in Napoli and had a good game. We have to give him all the support and confidence he needs because we know the player we have and his ability to score goals.”

Arsenal, the defending champions, lead the Premier League with 12 points, ahead of Manchester City on goal difference. Brighton are fifth with seven points.