Arteta Talks Injuries, Referees and Unbeaten Run Ahead of Brighton Clash

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says his squad is in good shape heading into Saturday's game against Brighton, as the Gunners look to keep their perfect start to the season going before the international break.

Speaking to the press on Friday, Arteta gave a positive fitness update on several players. Ben White is fully fit, and Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie are all "willing" to train and could be available for selection.

"Ben is all good, we have another training session this afternoon, so very positive about everybody," Arteta said. On the other three, he added: "Yes, we have another session; they are all willing to be part of it. We have another session to try to make sure they are fit."

Arsenal go into the match unbeaten in their opening seven games and could extend that run to eight wins in all competitions if they beat Brighton. Arteta was careful not to get ahead of himself though.

"We've got a really tough opponent tomorrow, so we're going to have to really earn the right to win the game, but certainly that will be the mindset of the players and the team," he said.

He was also asked about recent refereeing decisions, including a penalty call at Sunderland, but stayed diplomatic rather than pushing the issue. "It's not about the apology, it's just agreeing whether the decision should have been different or not," he said. "Maybe [Pro Ref] have a different opinion. Let's try to improve and move forward together."

On his own contract situation, Arteta played it down as a non issue. "I think we are all very much aligned, whenever the time is right, we'll get that done. There is nothing to be concerned about," he said.

There was plenty of praise handed out too. Arteta spoke highly of goalkeeper David Raya's journey from the National League to becoming one of the best in the world. "He has overcome a lot of difficulties, a lot of challenges, to reach this point," he said. "He really had to dig in and prove himself, and with all the coaches... and all his teammates, he has earned the right to be one of the best now."

Asked whether Raya has been his best signing, Arteta wouldn't commit to a ranking but made his admiration clear. "I don't know, he's been a tremendous signing, there's no question about that," he said. "He's helped take the team and the club to a different level, and now we need to maintain that level."

On Viktor Gyokeres, who has had limited Premier League minutes so far this season, Arteta pushed back on any suggestion the striker is short on confidence. "No, obviously, especially in the Premier League he hasn't played that many minutes, but last week in Napoli he played and had a good game," he said. "We need to give him all the support and confidence that he needs because we know the player we have, the capacity he has to score goals and what he can give to the team."

There was also a mention for academy prospect Max Dowman, with Arteta explaining that the best way for young players to force their way into the team is through performances on the pitch rather than conversations off it. "That's the best way to knock on the door, to do it on the pitch, not in the office," he said.

Arsenal kick off against Brighton on Saturday looking to maintain their unbeaten start before players head off for international duty.