‘I’m positive he might be back quite early’ – Mikel Arteta on Ben White, Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling fitness | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has revealed that Ben White could be back earlier than expected from his knee injury and has not ruled out him returning later this month.

White has been out since October after undergoing surgery but Arteta is optimistic he could have the defender back fit soon.

“It might be a possibility, but he hasn’t done anything yet with the team,” he said.

“The knee looks well, but he needs to load. I am positive he might be back quite early, but we will have to see.”

Following the injury to Bukayo Saka which will keep him out for months rather than weeks, news of Raheem Sterling progressing quicker than expected is also more than welcome for Arteta, who said: “He is starting to do some stuff on the pitch so that is great news. Let’s see how he progresses next week and we will see if he is available for the following week.”

Kai Havertz missed the game against Brentford due to an illness in recent days, along with some other players in the squad, but Arteta says he should be available to face Brighton.

The ones with illness, I think are going to be OK. They will train today and if everybody is fine then they will be available.”