Mikel Arteta hopeful of Ben White injury boost after 'positive' Arsenal development | OneFootball

Defender underwent knee surgery back in November

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And asked if White could return before the end of this month, Arteta said: “It might be a possibility, but obviously he hasn’t done anything yet with the team.

“The knee looks good, he has reacted really well the first few weeks, everything is going smoothly and now he needs to start to load and that knee needs to start to get through many more things that, up to now he hasn’t been able to do, but hopefully he’s good.

“His work ethic is unbelievable, naturally he’s a really gifted player, so I’m very positive that we’re going to have him quite early - but I don’t know when.”

Arsenal hope to have Ben White fit by the end of January

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Jurrien Timber has become Arsenal’s regular right-back in the absence of White, but he is unavailable for Saturday’s trip to Brighton.

The Dutchman picked up his fifth yellow card of the season during the Gunners’ 3-1 win over Brentford on New Year’s Day and is now suspended.

Thomas Partey is likely to come into the team, with Arsenal heading to the south coast knowing that a win will take them to within three points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

“It’s a really tough opponent,” said Arteta. “When you see their home record, their way of playing and the capacity they have to adapt to different scenarios and shapes, it’s really impressive.

“He (Fabian Hurzeler) has done something slightly different to before and I’m really impressed.”