3 talking points ahead of Arsenal vs Southampton

Arsenal host Southampton at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon in their final game before the October international break.

The Gunners were victorious in their last outing, defeating Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 at home in the Champions League. Last time out in the league, Mikel Arteta's side secured a dramatic 4-2 win over Leicester City, a result that put them up to third in the table.

With Arsenal looking to sign off for the two week break with a win, there are three key talking points ahead of Saturday's matchup.

1. Potential right back issue

Jurrien Timber has performed excellently at right back in the last few games but suffered a muscular injury against PSG and had to be substituted at half-time. This will come as a worry to Arsenal fans ahead of the game against Southampton.

Ben White has been absent from the last three matchday squads due to injury while Takehiro Tomiyasu is yet to be available this season. With all three players struggling for fitness, there is a potential the Gunners could be short of options come Saturday.

Mikel Arteta revealed in his press conference that all three are close and a decision will be made ahead of the game but it is difficult to know if this is true. The Spaniard has a reputation for playing mind games when it comes to player fitness so he could just be utilising this trick now.

However, if this is not all a ruse, Arteta will certainly have a problem on his hands regarding who starts at right back against Southampton. He could be forced to use youngster Josh Nichols, who recently made his first-team debut against Bolton Wanderers.

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