Arteta: White, Timber and Mosquera set for Brighton

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given an upbeat fitness assessment of his defensive options ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Brighton, the club's first match against Ben White's former side.

"They are all good," Arteta said on Friday at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. "We have another training session this afternoon, so very positive about everybody."

Alongside White, Arteta confirmed that Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie are all progressing well and in contention for the weekend fixture. "We have another session, they are all willing to be part of it to try to make sure they are fit," the Spaniard added.

Arteta was also asked about summer signing Eberechi Eze, who started on the left flank in Tuesday's match against Ipswich Town. The Arsenal boss suggested the position suits the midfielder well.

"He's always played there in his career, that's where all his biggest moments in his career and the highlights of his career have come," Arteta said. "I think it's a place that he feels very, very, very comfortable."

Several Arsenal players are expected to depart for international duty after Saturday's game, with a newly extended international break keeping the men's side out of action until October 10. Arteta said the varied nature of international schedules makes it difficult to plan.

"Let's see how it pans out," he said. "Some play in Europe, and others travel the world for two-and-a-half weeks, so we have to wait and see how it goes."