Mikel Arteta has given an upbeat fitness assessment for defenders Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, and Piero Hincapie ahead of Arsenal's Premier League visit to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta indicated that all four players are on course to be considered for selection. "They are all good, we have another training session this afternoon, so very positive about everybody," he told arsenal.com.

White's availability will attract particular attention, given that Saturday's fixture takes the England international back to his former club. Arteta stressed that the entire group are pushing to be part of the squad. "We have another session, they are all willing to be part of it to try to make sure they are fit," he added.

Eze's role on the left impresses Arteta

With a large squad at his disposal, Arteta has been rotating players across multiple positions. Eberechi Eze featured on the left flank against Ipswich Town on Tuesday night, and the manager was pleased with what he witnessed.

"He's always played there in his career, that's where all his biggest moments and highlights have come," Arteta said. "I think it's a place that he feels very comfortable. He can occupy different spaces, but that's the space where he has generally created big moments for previous clubs to win matches."

International break creates a new challenge

The Brighton clash will be Arsenal's last fixture before a newly extended international break, with the men's first team not returning to club action until October 10. Several key players, including Eze, are set to link up with their national sides.

Arteta acknowledged the unpredictability of an extended break when squads travel the globe. "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."