Mikel Arteta offers positive update on Ben White as Arsenal defender closes in on comeback after knee surgery

White, who has been out of action since November, is edging closer to rejoining his teammates on the training pitch. The England international has only managed nine Premier League appearances this season due to the injury, but his comeback appears to be on the horizon.

Speaking about White's rehabilitation, Arteta stated, "He hasn't trained with the team yet but he's very close to doing that. He needs to tick a few boxes and then I think he will be with us pretty soon."

Arteta also addressed the fitness of William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly, both of whom have been dealing with minor injuries. The French centre-back has a hamstring issue, while Lewis-Skelly is nursing a knee problem. Despite their setbacks, Arteta assured supporters that neither injury was serious and both players could return to action shortly.

"With Myles, it’s nothing serious, it will be having a meeting with medical staff," Arteta told reporters.

"With Willy something similar as well they should be in for next week, this week we’ll see how it goes."

The potential return of key players like Saliba and Lewis-Skelly provides a timely boost for Arteta's squad as they shift their focus to Premier League action against Wolves at Molineux on Saturday afternoon after a convincing 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.