'Good news': Mikel Arteta says 'exceptional' Arsenal player is fit and available to start today
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Arsenal will look to keep up the good work when they host Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners are yet to lose this season and successfully navigated a very tricky run of games after the international break.
Arsenal won the North London derby before picking up a point at Atalanta in the Champions League and then drawing at Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
The Gunners are also through to the fourth round of the League Cup after running out 5-1 winners over Bolton Wanderers in midweek.
Now, Mikel Arteta's charges will look to overcome a Foxes side that has drawn three league games this season, though they're yet to win in the top flight.
Arteta was able to provide some “good news” on the fitness front during Friday’s pre-match press conference, as per the official Arsenal website.
‘Good news’ as Jurrien Timber back for Arsenal
Arteta confirmed that Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber was able to take part in Friday’s training session and is now available once again.
Likewise, Ben White should also be back for the Leicester game, and Myles Lewis-Skelly is also fit after hobbling off against Bolton.
"Jurrien was able to take part in training today so that’s that’s good news,” Arteta said on Friday. “He will be available in the squad, and Ben hopefully as well."
On Lewis-Skelly, the Arsenal boss said: "He's fine. He was cramping, but he has no issues."
Tomiyasu and Merino on the mend while Raya remains a doubt
Arteta said of Tomiyasu: "He had partial training today and he looked good.
“He's progressing really well and is a little bit behind Mikel (Merino), but we don't know with Tomi because he's another one that pushes every single day. He's in a good place now I think."
However, Raya remains a doubt, with Arsenal needing to make a late call on the Spanish goalkeeper.
In that case, Neto could be entrusted with the first-team gloves after he was cup tied against Bolton.
"He's played in various countries at the highest level in different roles and has always fulfilled it in the right way," Arteta said.
"I believe he was the right player [to bring in] because he was in the Premier League, he had the experience, and he's someone we can throw in at any moment."
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have an 'unbelievable' talent who's set to explode
Timber back after missing Bolton clash
It’s good to hear that the “exceptional” Timber is back against Leicester, as he’s such a key player for Arsenal.
The Dutchman went down with an injury against Manchester City and went on to miss the midweek League Cup game.
