Arteta on squad fitness, adapting to travel delays and Sunderland

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media ahead of Saturday's Premier League match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Defender Ben White is fit to play despite coming off late in Wednesday's 1-0 win over Napoli. Jurrien Timber has been training with the team for a few days and looks in good condition. Cristhian Mosquera is doing well and could be available for either this match or the next one.

Arteta praised Kai Havertz's intelligence, stating that he is five seconds ahead of the game and improves those around him. The Arsenal boss said he embraces travel delays, such as the plane delay he experienced in Italy, and has prepared players for such situations by simulating them during pre-season. Arteta emphasized the importance of adapting to unexpected challenges on matchday and not using them as excuses.

He reflected on last season's difficult away game against Sunderland, where they drew 2-2 and dropped points in the final minutes, and expressed readiness to face the same challenge again.