Arsenal vs Southampton: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injuries

Arsenal duo Jurrien Timber and Ben White are in contention to feature in the Premier League meeting with Southampton at the Emirates later today.

The Gunners eased to a hugely impressive 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Timber continued at right-back that evening have also impressed on the left this season but was forced off at half-time.

Mikel Arteta later revealed it was a muscle problem that forced the change with Jakub Kiwior brought onto replace him and Riccardo Calafiori shifting over to right-back.

Arteta provided a further update on the Dutchman on Friday – as well as White – who has missed the last three games against Leicester City, Bolton and PSG amid reports he is dealing with a groin issue.

Quizzed if Timber and White will be available to feature against Southampton, Arteta said: ‘We had to modify training for our players, we’ve done the same today because of the load they had.

‘It’s a decision to make this [Friday] afternoon whether to involve them, yes or no. Yeah, they are close. [Takehiro] Tomiyasu as well is close to being involved, so good news.’

Elsewhere, Mikel Merino made his debut for the club on Tuesday, coming off the bench and helping see out the win over PSG.

The Spain international suffered a shoulder injury in his very first training session with the club but is in contention for a full debut this weekend.

Martin Odegaard continues to recover from the ankle ligament injury he suffered during September’s international break.

The Gunners captain was left out of the Norway squad for upcoming games against Slovenia and Austria and while there were tentative hopes he could be available later this month, his national team manager Stale Solbakken revealed this week he is ‘far’ from making his return.

Takehiro Tomiyasu, meanwhile, is stepping up his return from a knee injury in training with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney still sidelined.